Scope and Contents The Big Thicket lies within Hardin, Liberty, Tyler, San Jacinto, and Polk Counties in Southeast Texas, between the San Jacinto River, Neches River, and Pine Island Bayou. In October 1974, President Gerald R. Ford signed a bill that created the Big Thicket National Preserve. The Big Thicket is home to many rare and protected plants and creatures. For example, the yellow lady’s-slipper orchid and the Texas red wolf. For more information on the Big Thicket see The Big Thicket: An Ecological...