Karens Road

When I think of nature, I think of getting back to basics. I think of walking along a nature trail and observing everything growing in its natural state. When I look at what nature has to offer in the way of plants and animal life, I am amazed at all the different things our world has to offer. Do you ever take a look around and become amazed at how a weed can sprout up through a crack in the sidewalk? Or that a doe instinctively knows how to take care of her newly born fawn?

There is a beautiful place in Orange, Texas that is the epitome of seeing what nature has to offer. Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center was begun over 60 years ago by H.J Lutcher Stark. His mission has been continued through the efforts of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation. This private foundation endeavors to improve and enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas and encourage and assist education with regards to nature.

Teaching adults and children that we can live in harmony with nature has produced an educational message to thousands. For their efforts, Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center has been awarded the U.S. Green Building Council’s Platinum certification for LEED®-NC. The first in Texas to be awarded this prestigious award, Shangri La Gardens reached the highest green building and performance measures. The eco friendly nature retreat offers so much in education as well as a place to simply relax and enjoy our earth.

For more information on the Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center, visit the website at www.shangrilagardens dot org. There are so many resources available; it would be a shame to not check it out. You can read about the history of the center and see what is in store for its future. You will find yourself longing to visit the beautiful gardens as well as visiting beautiful Orange, Texas.