Thicket of Diversity
A Project of the Big Thicket Association
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What Is The Big Thicket?
What is the Thicket of Diversity?
The Thicket of Diversity (ToD), an All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, is managed as a committee of the Big Thicket Association. The ToD has been undertaken to enhance the ability of conservation stewards to identify every living species inhabiting the Big Thicket National Preserve (BITH) and surrounding area and the role of ecosystem dynamics in its health. Partners include the Big Thicket National Preserve, The Nature Conservancy, Texas Parks & Wildlife, John H. Kirby State Forest, Big Thicket Natural Heritage Trust, Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve, academic institutions and a myriad of concerned conservation individuals and other organizations.
Vision and Goals
Revised January 29, 2026
From BTA Strategic Plan, March 2013-18; April 2017
Vision of the Thicket of Diversity (ToD)
- To expand and sustain the Thicket of Diversity All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory so that it is dynamic, perpetual, and up-to-date.
- To facilitate/connect and support the funding of research: cultural, scientific, and natural in the region through partnership with the National Park Service, other government groups, science, educational institutions, and industry.
- To promote the dissemination of ToD research data.
- To establish an international research center.
Short Term Goals
- Revise the Science Plan.
- Approve ToD policies and operating procedures to enhance day-to-day operations.
- Organize and promote use of the Field Research Station and Brammer House.
- Maintain updates on the ToD website, Facebook, BTA's newsletter, and The Bulletin.
- Schedule a minimum of two Science Cafes and one Mini-Bioblitz.
- Acquire and fund an intern program.
- Continue encouraging submission of quality data and receipts by researchers.
- Facilitate data consistency according to set standards in partnership with Big Thicket National Preserve (BITH).
- Recruit more universities, researchers, and scientists to participate in ToD.
- Secure funding for the upcoming year.
- Conduct an annual review of collaborative operations.
Medium Term Goals
- Strategically build relationships for local, state, and regional collaboration, particularly with agencies and universities.
- Manage interns.
- Expand a faithful multi-year donor base by identifying partners with green interests.
- Broaden and define research needs for ecology and abiotic studies.
- Advertise research needs and available opportunities to determine and select new studies.
- Sponsor elementary and secondary ToD-related events, Science Cafes, and Mini-Bioblitz.
- Co-sponsor and support the Science Conference.
- Secure adequate funding for three years, including expanded research needs.
Long Term Goals
- Encourage researchers to present ToD research and posters nationally and internationally.
- Initiate a study focused on facility needs, costs, and potential partnerships for an international research center, and secure funding.
- Establish a Legacy Investment Fund to sustain ToD efforts.
Mission
The Thicket of Diversity (ToD) is a committee of the Big Thicket Association (BTA) and supports the organization's mission. The focus of the ToD is science research, education, and interpretation.
The mission of the BTA is to preserve, conserve, protect, and promote the Big Thicket region, its way of life, and its natural and cultural resources, for the enjoyment and well-being of present and future generations of the region, nation, and world through research, education, and advocacy/leadership.
The All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory
TWIGS, researchers, and citizen scientists make the inventory possible.
Taxonomic Working Inventory Groups (TWIGS) are the heart and soul of the ToD effort. They perform the field sampling and identification of organisms collected during the inventory. Citizen Scientists are invited to participate. These volunteers help provide key support research. People of all ages enjoy opportunities to learn, explore, make friends, and contribute to a unique and worthwhile endeavor. This undertaking would not be possible without generous support. Donations also help BTA fund researchers seeking knowledge about the components, abundance, and diversity of life in the Big Thicket. Financial support is appreciated.
Researcher Partners
Researchers and partner institutions help turn field observations into verified biodiversity records.
Browse researcher reports, proposals, publications, and project documentation connected to the Thicket of Diversity inventory.
View researchers and reports
Support
Help fund researchers documenting the abundance and diversity of life in the Big Thicket.
Community Science
Citizen scientists, students, and volunteers provide key support for the inventory effort.
Science
Explore the inventory, checklists, new species, maps, publications, and researcher reports.
Planning Documents
Review the research process, project documents, and field station information.
Resources
Find species identification links, educational materials, and guides.
Contact
Reach the project team and Big Thicket Association contacts.
Field Research Station
Learn about lodging, registration, current reservations, and station support for field work.
Big Thicket Association
Return to the parent organization and related conservation programs.