The Big Thicket Association operates The Ivory Bill, a covered excursion boat on the Neches River for school field trips, social events and Nature classes. The boat operates on the open river, and is capable of navigating the shallows of cypress-lined backwater channels.

Sail aboard the Ivory Bill to learn about the unique ecosystems along the Neches River with their dense bottomland forests of hardwoods and pine trees. The area is home to more than 200 tree species, 47 mammals, 300 birds and many reptiles and amphibians.

Educational Tours have resumed. Neches River Adventure programs are adventure-based, discovery programs developed to engage students in hands-on learning activities. Programs include outdoor lab experiences and interactive classroom presentations. Be sure to check out the educational video series about the Neches River, linked from the education page.

The Neches River Series, part of content on the Big Thicket Association's YouTube channel, is a collection of education / information and scenic videos for students, teachers, and the public. Generous funding by BASF Total Energies Petrochemical, LCC. and the Mamie McFaddin Ward Heritage Foundation  made this video project possible.

The Big Thicket Association is committed to expanding, enhancing and protecting the Big Thicket National Preserve, in order to assure the preservation, conservation and protection of the natural, scenic and recreational values of a significant portion of the Big Thicket region of southeast Texas.