Cedar Hill Nature
Preserve (Cedar Hill, TX): In 1854, John Anderson Penn settled in the
rugged cedar-covered hills of southwest Dallas County - an area known as the
Cedar Mountains. Today, remnants of the original Penn Farm survive intact in
the confines of Cedar Hill State Park. Cedar Hill State Park is a 1,826 acre
urban nature preserve located on the 7500 acre Joe Pool Reservoir. The
Park's proximity to major metropolitan cities makes it an ideal destination
for families who want to enjoy the great outdoors without spending precious
time driving.
Cedar
Ridge Preserve (Dallas,
TX):
At an elevation of 755 feet, Cedar Ridge Preserve
(formerly the Dallas Nature Center) is a slice of the hill country just 20 minutes outside Dallas. Located at 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75249, Cedar Ridge Preserve is a not-for-profit natural habitat of 633 acres featuring 10 miles of hiking trails, a native plant nursery, butterfly gardens, and picnic areas. Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, Tuesday – Sunday.
The Connemara Conservancy
(Plano, TX), a land trust founded in 1981, is dedicated to the
preservation and protection of open spaces in North Central Texas. From an
initial gift of 72 acres on the border of Allen and Plano, the Conservancy
has grown to encompass conservation easements throughout North Central
Texas. This conservancy is a 72-acre nature preserve for hiking and picnics
in the mist of the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex.
Dallas Arboretum and Botanical
Garden (Dallas, TX): Set beside White Rock Lake in sight of
downtown's gleaming spires, the Arboretum features 66 superbly landscaped
acres of towering trees, fragrant gardens, and lush lawns that beckon you
out of the city's bustle into a serene and beautiful world. There's
something to see year 'round, from the gorgeous blooms of springtime to the
vivid colors of fall.
Dinosaur
Valley State Park (Glen Rose, TX), located just northwest of Glen
Rose in Somervell County, is a 1524.72-acre, scenic park set astride the
Paluxy River. The land for the park was acquired from private owners under
the State Parks Bonds Program during 1968 and opened to the public in 1972.
Eisenhower State Park
(Denison, TX), with 423.1 acres, is located in Grayson County, northwest
of Denison on the shores of Lake Texoma. It was acquired in 1954 by a
Department of Army lease, which extends until 2004, and was opened to the
public in 1958. Grassy uplands, including rare remnants of the tall-grass
prairie, terminate in rocky, shoreline bluffs and woodlands. A large variety
of colorful wildflowers bloom throughout the growing season, March through
November. Several wildflowers are identified by signs along the roadside in
selected areas. A nature guide is available that identifies some of the
trees along the trail. A wide variety of trees includes oak, ash, elm,
cedar, dogwood, cottonwood, soapberry, locust, redbud, persimmon, and bois
d'arc. A variety of mammals at the park include armadillo, bat, beaver,
coyote, deer, fox, mink, nutria, opossum, rabbit, raccoon, skunk, and
squirrel. Wintering bald eagles, pelicans, loons, and other waterfowl may be
observed in the area.
Elm
Fork Nature Preserve (Carrollton, TX) was purchased as a woodright in
1861 by the Bramblitt Family. The land was never clear-cut and in 1986 the
40 acres were given to the city of Carrollton as a self-contained ecosystem,
virtually undisturbed. The preserve offers an Interpretive Center with a
nature education library, which is open for scheduled classes. Trails are
open for hikes daily from dawn to dusk. A pond, environmental education
classes and more are offered at the facility.
Fort
Worth Botanic Garden (Fort Worth, TX): The Fort Worth Botanic Garden,
the oldest botanic garden in Texas, is home to over 2,500 species of native
and exotic plants that flourish in its 21 specialty gardens. Conservatory houses exotic
and tropical plants.
Fort
Worth Nature Center (Fort
Worth, TX): The Fort Worth Nature
Center is just off the old Jacksboro Highway -- Highway 199. Take 820 to the
199 exit, go northwest across the Lake Worth bridge and you'll see the signs
a couple of miles down the road on the right. This wildlife refuge has
more than 20 miles of hiking trails, buffalo, and many whitetail deer.
If you're still not familiar with the 6700-acre refuge -- and surprisingly
few people are -- then it's time to find and explore it. The huge wilderness
area is concealed in the most unlikely of places -- within the city limits
of Fort Worth. Find out more about Bison Feeding and Hay Rides.
Fossil
Rim Wildlife Center
(Glen Rose, TX)- Take a leisurely drive through
Africa right in the heart of Texas at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. You'll see
giraffes, ostriches and zebras, to name a few, who sometimes poke their
heads right in your window! Spend hours enjoying close encounters with
endangered and exotic wildlife such as addax antelope, reticulated giraffe,
and Grant's zebra. Set your own pace through the 9.5 mile paved scenic drive
observing the animals wild and uninhibited just as nature intended with
nature trails, petting pasture, store, restaurant, picnic area and
playground. Located in North Central Texas, three miles southwest of Glen
Rose off Highway 67, Fossil Rim is an easy drive from surrounding major
cities. Just a one hour drive from Fort Worth, one and one half hour from
Dallas, and less than two hours from Waco.
Heard Natural Science Museum and
Wildlife Sanctuary (McKinney, TX): Our 289-acre site enchants
visitors of all ages with hiking trails, natural science exhibits, education
programs, live animals, a Native Plant garden, the Heard Nature Store, and
more! Open daily. One Nature Place, McKinney, TX (972) 562-5566
International Exotic Feline Sanctuary,
Inc. (Boyd, TX): Northwest of Fort Worth, IEFS was founded in Boyd,
Texas in 1988 as a 501(c)(3), nonprofit tax-exempt corporation. IEFS's
current mission is the care and welfare of its feline inhabitants, as well
as educating the public about their needs. The inhabitants include bobcats,
cougars, jaguars, leopards, lions and tigers, among other species. As of
April 2002, sixty-eight felines call IEFS home, with spacious habitats,
pools and houses. The employees and volunteers who care for the felines give
of their time and talents to ensure the quality of life to which they are
entitled.
Mustang
Trail (Farmers Branch, TX): Mustang Trail is a 9 mile circular route
in Farmers Branch which follows the city streets and passes 22 historic points.
The trail starts at Historical Park in Farmers Branch. The Historical
Park is nestled within 22 acres that trace the proud heritage of Farmers
Branch, from the 1840s through the 1940s. The Gilbert House, built in
1856-1857, is the oldest rock structure in Northeast Texas still on its
original foundation. Other local historic structures on the grounds include
the 1937 Dodson House, home of the first Mayor of Farmers Branch; a one-room
school that was once part of the Farmers Branch school from 1900-1915; and
the original Farmers Branch railroad depot, built in 1877. Structures from
outside of Farmers Branch have also been moved into the Park, such as the
two log structures that comprise the log culture area; the lovely 1885 Queen
Anne Victorian Cottage; and the circa 1890 Methodist Church. (972) 406-0184. Free.
River Legacy
Parks (Arlington, TX): River Legacy Parks is the product of a
public/private partnership between River Legacy Foundation and the city of
Arlington. Founded in 1988, our mission is to preserve and enhance
land along the Trinity River and its tributaries as an extraordinary
recreational, educational and natural resource. In June, 1990, Phase
I opened to the public. More than $3 million is spent enhancing the property
with trails, river overlooks, picnic and multipurpose areas, a playground,
and a concession/restroom building. Roads are built, and signage and
lighting are installed. Phase II adds a grand picnic pavilion, shade and
trail enhancements, and extensive planting of trees. 1996
Construction is completed on the $5 million River Legacy Living Science
Center, which opens to the public on July 2. In 2000,
Additional land donations over the years bring total acreage to 1,200 and
the completion of four additional miles of paved trails.
Texas Discovery Gardens (Dallas,
TX): Located at historic Fair Park in Dallas, Texas Discovery Gardens is a year-round urban oasis filled with natural wonders for visitors of all ages. Ten different themed areas include a butterfly habitat, native wildlife pond, scent garden, shade garden and heirloom garden. The first certified organic public gardens in the state, Texas Discovery Gardens features spectacular native and adapted plants grown using sustainable methods that conserve water and protect the environment.
Texas State Railroad
State Park (Palestine, TX), 499 acres, is located in Anderson and
Cherokee Counties, between the Cities of Palestine and Rusk just a short
drive south east of Dallas. The railroad was acquired by Legislative Act in
1971 and was restored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, with help
from the Texas Department of Corrections, and was opened to the public in
1976. Passengers may board the historic trains at either Rusk or Palestine.
Both ends of the line have turn-of-the-century style train stations. The
trip takes 1 1/2 hours to reach the opposite station. Once visitors have
arrived, they have an hour to enjoy lunch, browse through the park's train
store, ride paddle boats, or take a short nature hike. Passengers then
reboard for the return trip home. The State Park's 50-mile, round-trip steam
engine excursions take 4 hours.
Windmill Hill
Nature Preserve (Desoto, TX) The Windmill Hill Nature Preserve is
located at the Southwest corner of Duncanville and Wintergreen roads and was
established in 1993 by the City of Desoto. Located at Wintergreen and
Duncanville roads, Windmill Hill is a great place for hiking and observing
nature at it's finest. Wind along its foot trails, viewing the
well-preserved flowers and fauna of the region, and soon you're lost in
another world. This is no quick-step hiking place. Unless you're
looking for a leisurely walk and literally prepared to stop and smell the
flowers, don't bother. Dedicated in 1993, the preserve is open to the
public, free, from 6 a.m. to sundown daily.
