The Baytown Nature Center, which is operated by the City of Baytown, was formerly the residential subdivision of Brownwood. Over the years, the land subsided due to the withdrawal of oil and groundwater, and the neighborhood suffered problems with flooding.

In 1983, Hurricane Alicia struck the final blow, damaging many of the homes. The area was subsequently condemned. Then, during a community meeting in 1991, the idea arose to turn the area into a nature center. City officials seized the idea and began development of the Baytown Nature Center.

The first major restoration project was completed in 1995. This included the removal of the remaining houses, utilities and roads. In addition, three 60-foot wide channels were constructed to restore water flow, four freshwater ponds were created, and 60 acres of marsh were planted.

Recent Improvements
Since the initial restoration, many new improvements have been made at the Baytown Nature Center. Several more marsh plantings have been completed, adding another 20 acres of marsh to the area.

The most recent project, a voluntary effort funded by Lyondell Chemical Company, created two additional channels to improve freshwater flow on the peninsula. The excavated soil was used to create a 26-foot hill, upon which an educational pavilion was constructed. It provides a fantastic view of the Baytown Nature Center and its surrounding bays. Both the San Jacinto Monument and the Fred Hartman Bridge can be seen from the hill.

A new entryway into the Baytown Nature Center opened in July of 2005. This new entrance on Bayway Drive will contain informational exhibits, staff offices, a gazebo and winding trails through landscaping featuring native Texas plants.