By Brandt Mannchen
Most of the protected “Katy Prairie” exists on the north side of Interstate (I) 10, north of Katy and Brookshire and is owned and or managed by the Coastal Prairie Conservancy (CPC). However, there is a rare, unplowed prairie that the CPC owns on the south side of I-10, between Brookshire and Fulshear, that can be visited.
This prairie is the 11-acre Williams Prairie (32510 Hepplewhite Drive, Brookshire, Texas 77423). The Williams family gave a conservation easement in 1997 (a relinquishment of development rights) and then later donated the entire prairie to CPC. You can visit the Williams Prairie (WP) from “dawn to dusk” 365 days/year. There are no restrooms and parking is parallel on the side of Hepplewhite Drive.
In September 2026, for the first time, I visited WP. It’s found in a subdivision and the lands around it are developed or are developing. On the north side there are shrubs and trees next to the property-line fence. On the south and west sides of WP is Hepplewhite Drive. On the east side of WP is FM 359 in Fort Bend County.
When I visited WP it was transitioning from summer prairie blooming plants to fall blooming plants. There were Common Morning Glories, Knot-root Bristlegrass, Woolly Croton, Patridge Pea, White Guara, Loosestrife, Thoroughwort, ragweed species, Rattle-box, Brown-eyed Susan, and other wildflowers or grasses blooming. Grasshoppers were abundant, dragonflies (with red bodies) darted around, Gulf Fritillary and sulfur butterflies floated, and Mourning Doves flew overhead.
There are benches, bluebird boxes, an ADA wooden boardwalk, scattered native trees or shrubs (Live Oak, Pecan, Water Oak, Cedar Elm, Eastern Red Cedar Sugarberry, Honey Mesquite, Gum Bumelia, Common Persimmon, and Yaupon Holly), and a kiosk which shows the 0.5-mile loop trail and gives these simple rules for visiting:
1. Stay on designated trails and boardwalks to protect sensitive prairie plants and wetlands.
2. Pedestrian use only. Bicycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, and other motorized vehicles are prohibited.
3. Leave no trace. Pack out all trash.
4. Do not feed or disturb wildlife.
5. Dogs and pets that aren't service animals are prohibited.
6. Smoking, alcohol, firearms, and loud music are prohibited.
7. Fishing and hunting are not allowed without permission from the CPC.
8. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
WP is a great place to visit. One of the big problems all prairies have is native woody plants and non-native plant species which grow and overshade prairie grasses and wildflowers.
I saw some non-native plants like Chinese Tallow, Chinaberry, and Crepe Myrtle. Most of these non-native plants, along with native trees and shrubs, were small and easier to control.
I did see some rooting areas and wallows caused by feral hogs which is troubling. These non-native invasive animals can cause great damage to prairies and since WP is small that’s a danger. Knowing CPC, they’ll address this difficult issue with focus and direction.
WP is a great place to visit. I highly recommend dropping by sometime for a prairie thrill.