Coleto Creek Project

Taking pictures of wildlife and scenery has become a major recreational activity according to a study by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Miles Phillips, an extension ecotourism program specialist for the Texas A&M University System, referenced the results of that study in an article he wrote in 2006 for the Texas Cooperative Extension. He wrote, “more than 9.4 million people traveled for the primary purpose of photographing wildlife. Another 4.5 million people said they photograph wildlife at or close to their home.” While this article is several years old, the fact remains – people are interested in taking pictures of wildlife. Realizing the potential for making wildlife photography a possibility for photographers in the Victoria area, O. C. Garza, a member of the Victoria Photography Club, Inc., was photographing a children’s fishing tournament at Coleto Creek Park. Garza and Wilfred Korth, chief ranger at the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority – Coleto Creek Park, exchanged ideas to form a partnership to promote wildlife conservation and photography. In June 2008, a partnership agreement was reached." Members of VPC will work with Mr. Korth and his staff to design, build and locate photography blinds on the GBRA-Coleto Creek property to provide wildlife photography and birding opportunities for the public. In addition, VPC members will assist the GBRA staff by helping establish guidelines for the annual Coleto Creek Photo Contest, judging the contest plus conducting photography workshops and other photography related activities. Several blinds have been placed around the Coleto property. The biggest blind, the “eagle’s nest blind,” was constructed by Mark Oberle, Henry Hartman, Cliff Barbour, David Van Leeuwen, and Jim Payne. Mark and Jim helped Mr. Korth place the blind near an eagle’s nest. Several ground blinds have also been placed in various locations around the park.

Working in partnership the GBRA-Coleto Creek staff, members of the Victoria Photography Club have an excellent opportunity to enjoy a major outdoor recreational activity – photographing wildlife and scenery – without having to drive great distances. GBRA-Coleto Creek is located midway between Victoria and Goliad – less than an hour’s drive for most people in the Victoria area. Fishing, swimming, water skiing, camping and hiking can also be enjoyed by you and your family at this quiet, rural, 3100-acre lake. Spotted recently at one of our new blinds. Photo by Mark Oberle For more information about GBRA-Coleto Creek, go to their web site Need more information about the Coleto Creek project? Contact us.