Staff Contact: Jack Long
jlong@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4712

Administrative Assistant:  Beverly Okosun
bokosum@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4713
 

 

Since 2006, experienced outdoors people with a passion for Christ and nature have led over 300 people on many exciting outdoor adventures. Our goal is two-fold; demonstrate God’s majesty in His creation and, teach anyone that they can learn to enjoy the outdoors.

Nature is God’s gift to everyone, in the last two years, 30% of our participants have used Nature’s Mission as a gateway to become more familiar with First Methodist Houston. We are thrilled by the participation of segments of our community that do not traditionally participate in outdoor activities including 59% of young people under 18, 43% women and 36% minorities.


Ministries of Nature's Mission includes:

              Outdoor Programs • Outdoor Education 
                            McKaskle Retreat Center 
  Outdoor Program Support • Houston As A Nature Venue

Nature's Mission is blessed with six dedicated outdoors people, with over 100 years experience in the wild. These individuals take great joy in teaching their favorite outdoor activity.  Each of these individuals is also a dedicated Christian; through the years they have gained tremendous insight into God's natural world and delight in sharing these lessons.
The 300 plus individuals that have participated in our programs to date have had many unique experiences:

• We have spent many hours catching perch and bass at First
   Methodist Houstons's McKaskle Retreat Center. Other 
   individuals have hiked the well groomed trails on the retreat
   and observed countless birds and wildlife.

• We have visited Sea Center Texas that has a great aquarium,
   marine hatchery and marshland exhibit.  Lucky anglers were
   able to try their luck on hatchery-raised redfish on special
   group outings ( we have two of these scheduled in 2008).

• High Island boasts one of the largest bird sanctuaries in
   America and our guides did an excellent job of helping
   you identify these wonderful creatures.

• A group of guys enjoyed a wade-fishing trip to Port O'Connor
   earlier this spring and were able to cook a fresh-caught dinner.

• Everyone enjoyed the widflowers of spring as we went
   to some of the prime areas. OUTDOOR PROGRAMS

Please keep visiting our webpage as we typically arrange about eight outings each year.  We work hard to hit the best outdoor spots in Texas at the right time.

We would love to have you join us for fun, fellowship and the opportunity to learn from some real experts in fishing, camping, photography, hiking, and kayaking!

For more information, contact Jack Long at: jlong@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4712. 

There is no substitute to becoming a better outdoorsman than spending time in nature.  In God's creation, you will begin to get "in tune" with the woods, water, fish, birds and game.  However, anyone that wants to learn more about nature can get a tremendous head start by spending time with people that have already learned from the mistakes!

The Nature's Mission is committed to making your wildlife experience the best it can possibly be.  We have helped many people catch their first fish; and after that they're hooked. We are blessed with several team members who have extensive hiking and camping skills.  Sharing these skills with a newcomer will greatly enhance the enjoyment of your experience in the wild.

Texas Parks and Wildlife has established an aggressive program to help teach newcomers  various outdoor activities; by teaching them with the skills learned by more experienced outdoorsman. Be sure and click on the link below to see their website.

Nature's Mission has offered a fishing education class the last two years and we plan to continue to offer this opportunity again in the future. Last Summer we even had the pleasure of teaching about 50 special needs individuals and their siblings how to cast at targets - and everyone had a great time!

The internet offers some great resources on all outdoor sports.  Click on the links below to get you started.

For more information, contact Jack Long at; jlong@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4712.
 

Additional Links:

Texas Parks & Wildlife Education Guide & Calendar
Beginner and Intermediate Angler Education
Canoe and Kayak Information
Outdoor Photography
Camping Checklist
Hiking and Backpacking

First Methodist Houston has been blessed with over 60 acres of beautiful property; located just 45 minutes from downtown Houston, near Hockley, Texas. This center is divided by Spring Creek, and has old oaks, pine trees, and pasture land. Improvements on the property include a large covered pavilion with picnic tables and restroom facilities.

McKaskle is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic, wet a line, take a hike, or let the dog run. The pond has a nice shaded pavilion/pier with perch, bass and catfish (please practice “catch and release”). There is also a covered pavilion area with restroom and shower facilities.  Groups are welcomed at the center and it has become a popular spot for local scout troops.

You can enjoy the Photo Gallery by clicking on that link below. Then click on the small icon at the top to enjoy it in a slide show format.

For access and/or to reserve a date, please contact Tom Gaden at: tgaden@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4705.

To print the Facility Rental Agreement and Fee Schedule, click on the link below

DIRECTIONS:
Take 290 West towards Hockley, Texas (approximately 15 minutes past Beltway 8). Exit Kickapoo Road, turn right on Kickapoo. The McKaskle Retreat Center will be on your left just past Spring Creek (approximately 5 miles). You can also view a Map by clicking on the link below.

Additional Links:

Photo Gallery
Map to McKaskle Retreat Center
Rental Agreement and Fee Schedule

Is your Group or Sunday School class planning an outdoor activity?

Nature's Mission may be able to help improve the quality of your outdoor adventure (even if it is only a couple of hours of free time).  We have equipment for use and skilled outdoors people.

Since our inception in 2006 we have assisted the following groups: Single Parent Family Group. JOY Special Needs Group, Quillian Summer Camps, Youth Retreat and the Young Adults.

Please contact Jack Long at: jlong@fmhouston.com or 713-458-4712 for further discussions. 

We are here to serve God's kingdom!

The City of Houston is not well known for nature.  Houston has plenty of nature opportunities, if you just take some effort to search out the best of what this area has to offer.  The city has plenty to offer with its many parks, but the best natural destinations are within an hour or two drive.  Visit God's wonderful creation, it's mysteries surround us.

Check out the websites below to become familar with the various sources of information that are always available to you.


Additional Links:

Houston Park and Recreation
Houston Wilderness - guided trips close to home
Texas State Parks - venues and calendar
Houston City Guide - parks, hiking and golf