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t's clear that almost no events will be taking place in the near future, perhaps even into May. For this reason, we’re not publishing our usual calendar in this space. But if health authorities deem it necessary to avoid group gatherings for longer, we could all be in for a long wait to get any kind of entertainment outside of our own homes. For our part, Natural Awakenings Dallas – Fort Worth magazine will still offer roundups of things to do, just not in the traditional sense. For instance, the following re-print of our piece on our North Texas Urban Nature Assets, offering a respite for those with cabin fever. We pride ourselves on giving readers ways to spend their free time, and we plan to continue giving you great ideas no matter the circumstance – as well as the latest on Virtual events. We will also remain on top of any news about reopenings, events which are going virtual/online or events happening later in the year, hoping for a brighter future than the one we face today.
North Texas Urban Nature Assets Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
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region are found along waterways.
ocated on the western border of Plano, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a 200acre park featuring vast areas of natural beauty for walking, jogging, hiking, orienteering and other outdoor activity. Amenities include playground, restrooms, a three-mile paved recreational trail, 2.8mile designated off-road cycling trail, a natural biofilter for cleaning surface runoff, observation tower and pavilion. Trail system maps are available and there is an interpretive trail marker system to help identify features in the park. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve encompasses three distinct ecoregions. Blackland prairie, which contains large expanses of grasses and wildflowers with few trees is named for its black clay soil. Riparian forest is tangled with forests growing along a creek or river. The word riparian comes from the Latin word for river. The tangle of trees, shrub and vines growing thickly along the creeks at Arbor Hills can create the feeling of a jungle. Upland forest is found at higher elevations in the park at a distance from the creeks. The upland forest at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is unusual because most of the forested areas in our
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Dallas Metroplex Edition
Location: 6701 Parker Rd, Plano. For more information, call 972941-7250.
Bob Jones Nature Center
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ob Jones Nature Preserve consists of 758 acres of Cross Timbers natural habitat and exists to restore and preserve the Eastern Cross Timbers Ecosystem through environmental leadership, education and compatible outdoor activities. This eco-region is a sanctuary for wildlife and more than 300 species of birds. Visitors can enjoy the Bluebird Trail or the White-tailed Deer Trail where
paths are mown grass and dogs and horses are not permitted, or the Walnut Grove National Recreation Trail, where both equestrians and hikers can wind through forest and pocket prairies to the waters edge of Lake Grapevine.
NADallas.com
All are welcome at the preserve to watch the birds, hike the stretching trails, and enjoy family outings near the historic red barn and gardens. Children enjoy going outdoors and learning about nature in our Babes in the Woods, Pathfinders Outdoor Preschool, and Home School classes. The Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve is a City of Southlake park and it includes the Bob Jones Nature Center which provides programming, host classes, summer camp, scouting, birthday parties, workshops for educators and other activities. Location: 355 E. Bob Jones Rd., Southlake. For more information, call 817-491-6333 or visit bjnc.org.
Cedar Ridge Preserve
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he Cedar Ridge Nature Preserve is a scenic, rich in wildlife, slice of hill country. Formerly the Dallas Nature Center, the preserve spans 600 acres between Mountain Creek Parkway and FM 1382, 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. The natural habitat is jointly owned by the city of Dallas and Dallas County, and features native trees, grasses and wildflowers to display the natural beauty of the area.
