Texas Prairies and Lakes:
Big cities, small towns, and everything in-between! By: Olivia VanDolzer and Ricardo Diaz
Why You Should Visit: Offers both big and small city experiences Beautiful lakes with unique towns lining their shores Numerous natural and manmade attractions Rich in history
Serene, relaxing, and peacefulthe perfect escape!
Where is the Prairies and Lakes Region Located? North Central and Central Texas Between the plains of the West Texas Panhandle and the Pineywoods of East Texas
Topography and Characteristics Landscape: gently rolling to level, 300-800 ft. above sea level Major rivers: Trinity, Red, Brazos Major lakes: Lake Fork, Lake Ray Roberts, Cedar Creek Reservoir Size: 45,000 sq. mi. Average Rainfall: 26-40 in./yr.
Two Types of Beautiful Prairies to Choose From: 1.) Oaks Woods and Prairies Size: 19,500 sq. mi. Upland Soils: light colored, acidic sandy loam or sands Bottomland Soils: light brown to dark gray, acidic, sandy loams to clay
2.) Blackland Prairies Size: 25,500 sq. mi. Soil: uniformly dark alkaline clays Soil nicknamed “black gumbo�
Love swimming, fishing, boating, or floating? Then this is the place for you!
Lake Fork
The Brazos River
Many of Texas’ most popular state parks lie within the Prairie and Lakes region!
Dinosaur Valley State Park Glen Rose, Texas Find dinosaur tracks, camp, picnic, hike, swim, fish, and ride horses! Campsites and 20 miles of trails!
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Experience Nature! Sycamore Tree
Pecan Tree
Persimmon Tree
Wax Myrtle
Buckeye Tree
Common Critters Beaver
Ornate Box Turtle
Porcupine
Green winged teal
Raccoon
Rare/Endangered Plants Navasota ladiestresses (spiranthes parksii)
Large-fruited sand verbena (Abronia macrocarpa)
Tallgrass prairie plants: wide areas of flat land in the central part of the US where various type of tall grass grow.
re/Endangered Animals
Golden cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia)
Houston Toad
Major Cities Fort Worth Dallas Arlington
Fort Worth ● About 653,320 in population ● 5th largest city in Texas and the 2nd largest in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex ● Known as “the city of cowboys and culture.” ● Has many amusement parks, historical resorts and a variety of attractions. ● Began in the mid 1800’s and has a rich history and culture.
Dallas (Reunion Tower)
● About 1.3 million in population. ● 3rd largest city in Texas, known as The Metroplex area ● Numerous shopping centers, restaurants, and a variety of other attractions ● Was founded in 1841 by John Neely Bryan.
Arlington (River Legacy Park)
● The 3rd largest city in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex ● Population of 379,577- the fiftieth populous city in the United States ● Known as the “entertainment capital” in North Texas because it has many theme parks, water parks, and baseball parks ● Arlington was founded in 1876
You’ll Never Run Out of Things to Do in The Prairies and Lakes Region of Texas!
-barbecue, music festivals, shopping, museums, and so much more!
Six Flags Theme Park-
only 30 min. west of Dallas!
San Antonio Riverwalk -shopping, restaurants, boat tours!
Texas’ Barbeque Belt-
Austin, Lockhart, Houston!
Music FestivalsACL, SXSW, FPSF!
Your Tour Guides: Olivia VanDolzer
Olivia is 22 years old, was born in Houston, TX, and wants to be a kindergarten teacher one day! She is a nanny for 3 children- ages 6, 10, and 13, and she also sings in the worship band at her church. In her spare time she likes to cook, go salsa dancing, and play tennis!
Ricardo Diaz
Ricardo Diaz is 28 years old and is from Guatemala. He currently works in an elementary school as a teacher assistant. He wants to be a bilingual teacher someday. His family is an important part of his life, and in his spare time he likes to draw, go dancing, and listen to music.
References
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