The 290-acre, Comal County-owned Morton Preserve is open to the public for the 2026 season, as of Tuesday, Sept. 1.

The property, purchased through Section 6 Recovery Lands Acquisition funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2008, is a natural sanctuary for the endangered Golden Cheeked Warbler and has been welcoming guests since 2024. The preserve is named after the Morton family, who previously owned the land, County Engineer Robert Boyd said.

Grant funds used to purchase the property came with strict regulations, including only being open to the public September through February as to not disturb the Golden Cheeked Warbler's mating season.