Saturday, Feb. 24, 1 p.m. – Ceremony will be followed by a Members/VIPs Walk through the Forest. [Note: the public 31st Annual Trout Lily Walk is Sunday, Feb. 25, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.] At Spring Creek Forest Preserve, 1770 Holford Road, Garland
This year’s annual Trout Lily Members Walk in Garland’s Spring Creek Forest Preserve will include a first-of-its-kind distinction. Representatives from the Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) will officially induct the Spring Creek Forest Preserve into the national network which celebrates our oldest protected and publicly accessible forests.
Spring Creek Forest Preserve will be the first forest in Dallas County to be included in the OGFN and only the second in Texas. OGFN is a nonprofit working to connect people with nature by creating a national network of protected, publicly accessible forests and a network of people to protect them.
Join us Feb. 24, 1 p.m. as The Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest will be inducted into the Old Growth Forest Network. Then, at approximately 1:45 p.m., join the annual Members and VIPs Walk through the Lee F. Jackson Spring Creek Forest Preserve at 1770 Holford Road. Located in north Garland only 14 miles from downtown Dallas, Spring Creek Forest Preserve contains old-growth hardwood bottomland forest and native prairie areas along Spring Creek which are a haven of towering trees and unusual wildflowers. Scientists, conservationists and naturalists have studied this forest community and determined it is one the few remaining old growth forests in the Blackland Prairie eco-zone of north central Texas. The Spring Creek Forest Preserve is protected as a biological treasure used for scientific studies and natural enjoyment.
The Preserve consists of three parcels of land totaling 102 acres of the larger Spring Creek Greenbelt. Old growth forest coverage varies from one third to two thirds of each tract with the balance in regenerating forest and prairie grass communities.
“The Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest is pleased to see the multi-decade collaborative efforts of the city of Garland and Dallas County, along with researchers and students, non-profits, and local naturalists to study and protect the forest and prairies of Spring Creek Forest Preserve, have resulted in the Spring Creek Forest Preserve-Spring Creek Greenbelt being officially designated as a part of the Old-Growth Forest Network,” said David Parrish, president of the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest.
Nick Sanchez, network manager for OGFN remarks, “We’re honored to recognize this forest and the critical partnerships between Dallas County, City of Garland, The Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest and the many individuals who continue to work hard to protect, care for and educate about this special place.”
Spring Creek Forest Preserve will join Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge as one of only two OGFN forests in Texas. Working with volunteers across the country, OGFN’s goal is to identify and ensure the preservation and recognition of at least one forest in every county in the United States, celebrating our nation’s oldest forests. Founded in 2012 by Dr. Joan Maloof, OGFN has recognized more than 200 forests in 36 states. A full list and map of OGFN Network forests may be viewed at www.oldgrowthforest.net.
Weather Contingency: In case of threatening weather, consult the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest website (https://springcreekforest.org/) or public Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/113504751995744) for up to date information.