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Protecting the Past to Enrich the Future

One day in 1980, Bobby Scott took a walk in the woods and discovered the past - Spring Creek Forest. The pristine bottomland forest in the floodplain of Spring Creek was a haven of towering trees and unusual wildflowers on the edge of a dynamic North Garland community. Early settlers, who cut most of the timber around streambeds a century ago, left Spring Creek untouched. Mr. Scott knew that it was unique; and when he showed it to city officials in 1982, they agreed. With the help of Dallas County and the State of Texas, Garland began its efforts to protect the relic forest. Investigators discovered a dominant over-story of Chinquapin, Bur, and Shumard oaks not known to occur together anywhere else in the world. Many of these trees, 100-300 years old, soared to heights of 100 feet on trunks four feet thick.

Scientists found that not only was the forest type unique, but so were the wildflowers. The delicate Solomon's seal, not previously known to occur in the Dallas area, flourished in the forest. A large population of trout lily grew abundantly there.

Visitors today continue to express awe at the forest's natural treasures. Gary Powell of the Texas Department of Water Resources suggests that some of the rare plants in the forest that have never been screened may prove to contain biochemicals that can be used to produce lifesaving medicines. John White of The Nature Conservatory believes, "It is very unlikely that any other forest like the one along Spring Creek exists in the nation." Over 630 species of plants & animals have been observed. This does not include dragonflies, spiders, mites, beetles, fungi, ants and a host of other organisms. Scientists, conservationists, and nature buffs alike agree that Spring Creek Forest must be preserved as a biological museum to be used for study and enjoyment. The Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest was established in 1987 to ensure that it is.

Without protection a Preserve can turn into something else. Spring Creek Preserve, like other Dallas County Trail and Preserve System was set aside for natural habitats where native plants, reptiles, birds and mammals can continue to thrive.

The Society's goals are simple:

• To promote the preservation and protection of Spring Creek Forest as a cultural and natural resource treasure.

• To facilitate scientific and educational pursuits by the public.

The Society's responsibilities are more complex:

• To maintain nature trails, an interpretive center, and parking lot.

• To plan activities, such as school ecology classes, ecological and plant research, and nature interpretation.

• To provide guided tours.

• To guard against vandalism in the forest.

Meeting these goals and responsibilities is possible, but not without help from concerned citizens. Because of the faltering economy, state and local funds to support the preservation project have dwindled dramatically. For these reasons, the Society needs people like you who know that protecting precious natural resources such as Spring Creek Forest is not a luxury, but a necessity.

To receive more information on Preservation Society membership and Spring Creek Forest, call 972-205-2750. To become a member, print, fill out, and mail this form. With your help, the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest can continue protecting the past to enrich the future.

This web site was created by Jack & Derek Hill

Thanks for stopping by.

04/10/2008