Claiborne West Park and the March for Parks

For the past several years, the Southeast Texas Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) has worked with Orange County Parks and the local schools in Orange County on the “March for Parks.” This event is held at Claiborne West Park and gives local students an opportunity to learn about the environment and the natural resources of southeast Texas.

The development of the park is an ongoing project. In conjunction with the “March for Parks” event, teachers and students raise money throughout the year to help with the development of the wetland nature trail located in the park.

Students and teachers in Orange County have actively participated in the design and layout for the trail that include plans to make the park handicapped accessible. In addition to the funds raised by the students, a grant from the Stark Foundation in Orange was obtained to help with the trail costs. Plans are underway to complete the trail surface.

Unique interpretive signs and bases have been installed for the new wetland nature trail in the park. The sign bases are made of concrete and finished in the shape of tree stumps. The signs are mounted at an angle on the tops of the stumps and placed along the trail edge. The design of the bases and the placement allows access to individuals with disabilities. The plaques have raised images of wildlife and insects along with Braille writing to accommodate trail visitors with physical disabilities.

Orange County parks director Donna Scales stated, “Local teachers have found this field day very informative for their students and helpful with their teaching curriculum.” In 2007, more than 1,600 students participated in “March for Parks.” Scales added, “Because of the success of the program in past years, the program was expanded to two days to accommodate all of the students.”

Local natural resource personnel from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Texas Forest Service and the National Park Service teach students about natural resources in an outdoor setting.

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Students have the opportunity to fish and observe the wildlife in Claiborne West Park.	Students “March for Parks” to raise money to continue improving the park.	One of the handicapped accessible stumps teaches the kids about alligators.	Interpretive stumps with Braille and raised images are ready to be installed in the park.

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