There is one amenity in Cochran's Crossing that is very unique in The Woodlands. It is part of Shadowbend Park but is isolated from the rest of the park by Lake Woodlands Dr. This sits on a pond and was designed to retain the marsh that is prevalent in the Southeast Texas piney woods.
On this particular morning, there were mothers strolling with their babies, young parents out with a child, elderly people walking for exercise and others running or walking their dogs. After crossing the street, one finds this bridge at the nearest point from Shadowbend Park. Stop at the bridge to find turtles and an occasional snake. This is a bog of the marsh. Keep going and you will find the entrance to the Marsh Experience.
The boardwalk will take you over the marsh adjoining the pond. On a hot summer day, this was dry but after rains, this area typically contains a wetland. As you walk along the boardwalk, you will follow a self instructional tour of the marsh.
There is an attempt to have several plants of the same species behind each sign. I noticed this in several cases but it was not consistent.
It may be difficult to sort out some of the material since part of it is seasonally dependent.
I think you would agree that this is a tranquil and beautiful place. Sometimes I find fishermen out on the boardwalk but not on this day. In the Fall this can be spectacular.
There was one gentleman on the boardwalk with me, getting his morning exercise.
There were no creature except a turtle to behold on the warm day. It was too late in the morning, but the forest does yield small animals in the night and very early morning.
On one side of the boardwalk is the pond. You can find bass and blue gill perch in this water.
Then from the pond to the north, the marsh is sometimes wet and other times dry. Bogs remain all year long.
Unfortunately we have an unwanted species in some of our parks and as far as that goes, this tree exists in private yards as well. This highly invasive tree species is the biggest threat to out prairies and forests. It was introduced to the United States in the early 1900's and is quickly consuming our lands. The Chinese Tallow is banned from being sold at nurseries now, but the harm has already been done. One mature tree produces 500,000 seeds a year and also propagates by its roots. A root serves as a propagating "runner" just below the soil surface. It's seeds are not useful to birds' nutrition and in fact displace nutritious food, possibly making weaker seed-eating birds in the ecosystems of the western world. This tree needs to be eradicated from the ecological systems of our public forests and private lands.
Getting there:
Simply go to Shadowbend Park and park your automobile. It is also accessed from the pathway system. Then cross Lake Woodlands Dr and you are there.
In the main section, the remainder of the amenities are located. 
Do you know that The Woodlands Texas has a resident's gardening location and possibly will have a second one soon? Residents have gardened for years here. They wait in line for someone to relinquish a plot in the "garden" at the Bear Branch Sportsfields. The gardening plots are sectioned off and marked clearly to enable residents to have a vegetable or flower garden out in the sun. 
In the older parts of The Woodlands, some homes have practically no sun in their yards. Even now in August, some of the gardeners are working their little gardens. Some have trellises for vines; others have stakes, coverings and other tools to help them deal with the heat. 
Water delivered by hose is available close to all the plots. Sign-up is with the association, so you can access their pages there to see what the current process is to get a plot.
Here in The Woodlands Texas, we have an excellent, beautiful and popular sports complex nestled in the forest. It is across the road from Bear Branch Park, next to Bear Branch Creek, a thin reserve of forest which serves as a wildlife sanctuary. This park is used primarily for soccer matches.
These tables are handy for many people who use the park for soccer or play (example: Frisbee throwing). Golf is prohibited in this complex. There are seven adult size soccer fields. During soccer season, one will find many smaller fields carved out of the large ones to accommodate the needs of sports clubs for children.
There is plenty if parking, some 236 spaces.
Getting there: From I45 heading north, take exit 76 to Research Forest Drive. Follow this road until you pass the light at Shadowbend (Montgomery College is located on the right) and proceed over the bridge at Bear Branch Creek. Click here for a Google map locating the complex.
This large park is easily accessible from Research Forest Drive. Located adjacent to Bear Branch Creek, it features a rink for roller hockey, is wheel and dog friendly and has natural trails to the creek. This park also has a combined soccer/baseball field and a volleyball court.
Entrance to the dog park. On entering the park from Research Forest Dr, turn right into the parking lot and the dog park will be to your right. This is its entrance. There are two fenced areas, the right for small dogs and the left for large dogs.
The large dog area. Very spacious.
Its beautiful swimming pool.
Small childrens playgound.
Large pavilion is ideal to rent for group events.
Its skateboard facilities include two separate boarding rinks.
Five tennis courts
It's hockey rink provides an unique amenity for all ages.
One can walk on the pathway system over Bear Branch Creek or maybe explore some natural paths in the park.
The Longleaf Pine is propigating along the creek bed.
Even in dry season, Bear Branch Creek normally has water flowing down it.
Cattail Park is right on Cochran's Crossing. It is popular for its dog friendly area complete with poop bags. This very nice area park usually has plenty of parking.
The park is adjacent to the creek.
Some of the low lying areas right next to the park floods and leaves swampy areas nearby.
The baseball diamond
The dog park will often have quite a few pets running about. If you take your loved one here, make sure he has his vaccinations in order. He will be socializing with other dogs.
There is a small gazebo that can be rented from the Parks department.
Tennis courts and childrens' area
