The North Texas Water Garden Society

is a nonprofit organization
that was formed to encourage a greater appreciation and
interest in water gardens.
The NTWGS also promotes the study and culture of aquatic plants,
fish and ponds.

We provide information on all aspects of water gardening,
and publish a monthly newsletter,

Water Works,

that contains articles of interest to the beginner
as well as the advanced water gardener.

Now that the official statement is out of the way, the
NTWGS is a bunch of folks who have ponds, wish they had ponds,
or just like the idea of water gardening.

The Greater
Fort Worth Herb Society was founded in 1985 with the purpose of "sharing
knowledge of herbal folklore, planting, growing, propagating,
cultivating, harvesting and using herbs." A further goal is the
fostering of education and knowledge regarding herbs and other botanical
subjects.

What We Do

• Meet to share knowledge of herbs and gardening
• Maintain two herb gardens in Fort Worth
• Support Horticulture Scholarships at Tarrant County College
• Hold an annual Herb Festival in Fort Worth

The Friends of the Katy Trail is a non-profit organization founded to
organize community support for the Katy Trail, to advocate support for
the Trail, to raise private funds for the completion of the Trail and to
help the City of Dallas plan, build and maintain Trail improvements.


The Katy Trail is a 30-acre linear park running through the densest part
of Dallas. The pedestrian and bicycle trail connects 125 acres of
interrupted urban parkland with more than 300,000 residents living
within a mile of the park. The Trail currently extends 3.5 miles from
Lyte Street near the American Airlines Center to Airline Road near SMU,
part of a future plan to connect White Rock Lake to the Trinity River.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden, the oldest botanic garden in Texas, is a lush 109-acre tapestry of dappled shade and vibrant splashes of color. A peaceful haven nestled in the heart of Fort Worth’s Cultural District, the Garden is home to over 2,500 species of native and exotic plants that flourish in its 23 specialty gardens.

Trail Hours and Map

Trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. There is no admission fee to use the trails. Trail Map. 

History

The
Elm Fork Nature Preserve 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. Trails are open for hikes 365 days a year from
dawn to dusk.

Urban Sustainablitity / Green Nonprofit Organization

By Rita Cook

The Dallas Parks Foundation was a nominee in the 2012 Green Source DFW Environmental Leadership Award, Grass Roots category.  According to Samuel F. Stiles, Director of the Foundation, the foundation was founded  “Based on the Dallas Park Board's Renaissance plan, a long-range plan completed in 2002, [where] the city recognized that private funds would be needed in order to regain the quality and level of service last experienced in 1985 and to meet future needs.”

Stiles says that while the city has made monetary commitments to fund many immediate park needs, a revival is needed. This revival would then fuel an ability to build facilities that meet current and future recreational expectations including hike and bike trails and linear parks where people can travel from one community to another along trails and parkways.

The Dallas Arboretum, one of the most beautiful outdoor attractions in Dallas, features 66-acres of spectacular display gardens that showcase incredible
seasonal flowers, ornamental shrubs, trees and plant collections in a serene
setting on White Rock Lake.

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. The ruggedness and scenic beauty of the area combined with over 100 miles of shoreline and the water based recreation on Joe Pool is a major attraction.

Activities include mountain biking, camping, birdwatching, hiking, picnicking, fishing, and more!

At an elevation of 755 feet, Cedar Ridge Preserve (formerly the Dallas Nature Center) is a slice of the hill country just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. Cedar Ridge Preserve is a natural habitat of 600 acres featuring about 9 miles of trails, native trees, grasses and wildflowers, butterfly gardens, limited picnic areas and wild mammals, birds, insects and reptiles. CRP has been managed by Audubon Dallas since April 2003 by charter from the Dallas County Park & Open Space Program and the City of Dallas. To view the General Rules and Regulations from the Dallas County Park and Open Space Program, click here.

Please be aware that wheeled vehicles of ALL types, including bicycles, are prohibited on the trails. NOTE: CRP cannot accommodate large groups because there are not a lot of seating, tables, or other picnic equipment.

Meetings

Meetings are held on the last Thursday of
every month (except November and December) at 7:30 p.m. (7:00 p.m. social)
at the Bob Duncan Community Center Garden Room, 2800 S. Center St. in
Arlington (map).
Visitors are welcome!

Membership

Membership dues are $20/year (for a person or a whole family). Dues
can be paid at any meeting, or you may send a check to:

Arlington Organic Garden Club

P. O. Box 173954

Arlington, TX 76003