The Caddo Lake Preserve was created in 1997 and redicated in 2001 to the memory of the late Fred and Loucille Dahmer, who lived at Taylor Island on Caddo Lake and spent much of their lives exploring and photographing the lake and working tirelessly to protect its fragile wetlands.

In addition to being home to part of Caddo Lake—the only natural lake in Texas—the preserve also contains wetlands and cypress swamp. These lands and waters support the state's most diverse native fish population and provides habitat for more than 40 rare animals and plants. Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in Texas also contains the best wood duck breeding grounds in the state. The lake contains large-mouth and white bass, crappie and over 70 other species of fish and provides habitat to frogs, snakes, raccoons, beavers, white-tailed deer, alligators and various waterfowl.

Several different species of butterflies are found in the area, including eight species of brush-footed butterflies, five species of gossamer-winged butterflies and six species of swallowtails.

The Nature Conservancy of Texas became involved in efforts to conserve the lake in 1990, when local landowner Robert McCurdy donated 478 acres. This was followed by another donation of 589 acres by Judge John Paul Harkey. Eventually, the Conservancy and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department joined forces to purchase 7,000 acres of Caddo Lake to add to Caddo Lake Wildlife Management Area.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife is working to create the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which will initially conserve another 7,172 acres of the critical habitat.

Nature picture credits (left to right): Lynn McBride, Leroy Williamson.