Growing
up in Deep East was a wonderful experience. The tranquility of the outdoors is
one of the advantages that come from this area and one that I treasure dearly. As
a young child one of the places that I spent some of my summers was the Davy
Crockett National Forest.
Davy
Crockett National Forest is in the heart of Deep East Texas. It runs the length
of Highway 69, west of my hometown, Lufkin, Texas. Davy Crockett National
Forest was established in 1936. Davy Crockett National Forest is a 160,647 acre
of natural terrain that offers outdoors activities and wonderful scenery. It is
known for its wonderful campsites, lakes, hiking trails, wild game (hunting)
and overall natural beauty. It also encompasses Ratcliff Lake, another exciting
place that I experienced many times while growing up.
As
beautiful as the forest is, unfortunately it is being used for oil production
and lumber grazing. The lumber is used as a source that contributes a great amount
of money to the economy in my hometown. Although
lumber is needed for many different reasons, the forest is still suffering
little by little. Deforestation of the land and oil drilling are prominent
problems that should be kept under control. Hopefully when I have kids they
will get to enjoy some of the beauty that I experienced as a child.
About
two weeks ago I was lucky enough to revisit the forest and attend a family
reunion. It felt like old times again. I was able to be with family and reminisce
on child hood memories of the experiences that I once had at Davy Crockett
National Forest. The forest felt like my sanctuary again, it was calm and felt
so loving. We had so much fun. We were able to have a cookout, hike some of the
trails, and play games around the campsite.
This
is an event that I look forward to each year. Nothing is better than going back
home and spending time with family in the serenity of the wilderness. This is a
place that everyone should experience, whether they are from Deep East Texas or
another place.
There is always something you can do for your park if you go and see. Every park has events where you could volunteer, and I'm sure that this park is no different. I've volunteered for an event at a park near Houston, and I had a great time. You should look into volunteer work for this park. You should also do it because it looks good on a resume.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up near the Sam Houston National Forest, I enjoyed the same type of outdoor get a ways like you. I’m sure the Davy Crockett National Forest and Sam Houston National Forest are alike in many ways. If I ever got the chance I would like to spend a weekend camping in the Davy Crockett National Forest. It sounds like a nice place. I like places that have nice camping spots along with several different hiking trails going throughout the woods. In the Sam Houston Forest, the same types of activities are taking place. People can lease portions of the national forest, for cows or oil productions. Some parts of the forest have been severely damaged due to these activates.
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