Megan and I (Big Thicket National Preserve)

Megan and I (Big Thicket National Preserve)

From Hike, Explore, Repeat: Trailblazing Texas Podcast by Jason Lominac

February 26, 2026 · 1h 17m · Season 3 · Episode 106

About this episode

Jason Lominac interviews Ranger Megan about the diverse ecosystems of Big Thicket National Preserve.

In this episode of the Trailblazing Texas Podcast, I sit down with Ranger Megan from Big Thicket National Preserve to explore one of the most misunderstood and wildly diverse landscapes in the National Park System. When most people hear “National Park,” they picture towering mountains or deep desert canyons. Big Thicket flips that script. Ranger Megan shares her journey with the National Park Service, what brought her to Southeast Texas, and why this preserve left such a powerful first impression. We dive into why Big Thicket is called the “Biological Crossroads of North America” and what that actually means on the ground. From longleaf pine forests and cypress sloughs to blackwater bayous and carnivorous pitcher plants, the Thicket isn’t just one ecosystem—it’s several, woven together. Megan breaks down how these habitats blend, what strange and surprising species call this place home, and why birders, botanists, and backpackers quietly consider this area a hidden treasure. We also get practical. What kind of hiking terrain should you expect? Are there paddle trails worth planning a whole trip around? Can you experience multiple ecosystems in just a few hours? Is this place more…

People in this episode

Host: Jason Lominac

Guest: Ranger Megan

Topics covered

  • Big Thicket National Preserve
  • hiking
  • ecosystems
  • biodiversity
  • outdoor exploration

Keywords

  • Big Thicket
  • hiking trails
  • biodiversity
  • National Park
  • outdoor adventure

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: National Park Service

Places: Big Thicket National Preserve, Southeast Texas, North America

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