North Texas Wild

The Trinity River Paddling Trail, with 21 launch sites over 130 miles, has been designated as a National Recreation Trail, marking a transformation from its polluted past. This enhances North Texas's nature tourism appeal, fostering regional ecological appreciation and economic growth while offering unique wildlife and recreational experiences.

The new Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, spanning nearly 5,000 acres of diverse terrain, will provide over 20 miles of trails, camping, and recreation, with plans for a 2023 opening. Funding efforts are ongoing, and the park promises to offer unique natural beauty in North Texas.

Bill Holston, a Dallas human rights lawyer, directs the Human Rights Initiative of North Texas and advocates for the oppressed. Passionate about nature, he's a Master Naturalist, writes for D Magazine, and shares hikes on social media. Holston finds peace and reflection in nature, seeing it as essential amidst life's stresses.

Amy Martin, Green Source DFW columnist, is authoring "Wild Dallas-Fort Worth" for Timber Press, exploring North Texas' nature. The guidebook covers natural history, flora, fauna, and field trips, featuring local experts and ecological professionals. It builds on her past works, due out in early 2023.

Hiking McCommas Bluff Preserve is a challenging 7-mile trek through Dallas's storied wilderness. The trail, notorious for illegal activities and environmental degradation, rewards hikers with scenic views of the Trinity River and a charming prairie. Despite urban encroachment, the preserve offers an intense encounter with nature’s beauty and history.

The Trinity Forest & AT&T Trail's final stretch, a mix of paved and dirt paths, connects the Trinity River Audubon Center, Texas Horse Park, Trinity Forest Golf Club, and Joppa Preserve. The hike features serene forest trails, wildflowers, and swampy areas, despite development threats, offering a glimpse into an idyllic landscape shaped by nature.

The Trinity Forest and AT&T Trail offers over eight miles of paved paths connecting the Trinity River Audubon Center, Texas Horse Park, Trinity Forest Golf Club, and Joppa Preserve. The trail, though controversial among naturalists, is a lush, shaded route through bottomland forests, featuring diverse trees and wildlife.

The Trinity Forest and AT&T Trail is a paved path connecting natural landmarks. While criticized for its environmental impact, it provides accessible exploration of the Great Trinity Forest. A three-part series documents this trail, highlighting its recreational opportunities and environmental challenges amidst industrial and natural landscapes.

North Texans are collaborating to restore bobwhite quail populations. The North Texas Quail Restoration Workshop gathered representatives to share best practices for habitat improvement and quail reintroduction. Efforts involve professional breeding and habitat enhancement, focusing on creating quail-friendly landscapes with native vegetation, aiming for self-sustaining populations.

Free tours at Dallas's Native Texas Park begin Feb. 29, showcasing spring's early wildflowers, Blackland Prairie landscapes, and innovative water management. Located at the Bush Library, tours run every fourth Saturday. Parking is $5. Explore before visiting via the park's website or Instagram.