Aloha Everyone,
Goose Island State Park is located near the city of Rockport, a Texas coastline tourist destination on the Gulf of Mexico. The park sits on 321.4 acres surrounded by Aransas and St. Charles Bay. Goose Island State Park was among the 12 or so Texas State Parks that sustained heavy damage caused by Category 4 Hurricane Harvey in August 2017.
Devastations and the scars of the aftermath are still visible throughout the park. The Big Tree, an ancient live oak tree, estimated to be more than 1,000 years old survived the hurricane, but care and treatment is needed.
Limited overnight camping facilities reopened on March 1. According to the park ranger who checked us in, nearly 40% of the trees within the park were destroyed. It would take several years for nature to restore the remaining trees to their previous glory.
One significant positive result from the Hurricane Harvey is the profusion of wildflowers. The marshlands are water logged providing excellent vegetation for wildlife. During my evening walk, I reflected on nature’s fury and her gifts.
Aloha -- Cathi