Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest

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 bottom land 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 stream beds 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 of Chinquapin, Bur, and Shumard oaks. 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 (formerly with the Texas Department of Water Resources) suggested that some of the rare plants in the forest that have never been screened could prove to contain biochemicals for 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 650 species of plants & animals have been observed. This does not include dragonflies, spiders, mites, beetles, ants and a host of other organisms. Scientists, conservationists, and nature buffs alike agree this place must be preserved as a biological museum to be used for study and enjoyment. The Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest has been established to ensure that it is.

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.

Meeting these goals and responsibilities is possible, but not without help from concerned citizens. 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.  With your help, the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest can continue protecting the past to enrich the future.

“To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter… to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird’s nest or a wildflower in spring – these are some of the rewards of the simple life.” John Burroughs

Monthly Meetings & Guest Speaker

Date: Tuesday, May 2, 2023
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89187002517?pwd=Ujc1UTEyVjNNbDhUUFJYMjFCV2lNdz09

Meeting ID: 891 8700 2517
Passcode: 212786

Guest Speaker: Jerry Alcorn

Topic:  We Live in a World of Pollinators

The environment we live in is maintained by pollinators. We depend on pollinators for fruits and vegetables. Let’s look at the world through the eyes of a honey bee and other pollinators.  If we keep honey bees healthy we can keep us all healthy. There are many simple things individuals can do to improve our environment by learning how pollinators are the backbone of our food chain.
          Jerry Alcorn is a beekeeper who has hives in Dallas and Collin county.  He is an Advanced Beekeeper in the Texas Master Beekeeper Program, a board member of the Trinity Valley Beekeeper Association and regularly mentors beekeepers and scholarship students.  Jerry provides bees for several rural “beekers” to maintain their agricultural exemptions.  Jerry won the Best Honey of 2022 at the Trinity Valley Beekeeper Association honey tasting contest. 

Interesting speakers lined up for the 2022-23 year

September 5, 2023 – Janet Smith – Sex in the Garden

Special Events

Bird Walks with Master Birder Reba Collins

MEMBERS ONLY

Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7
Time: 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.
Location: 1787 Holford Road, Garland, TX.

Two Spring Migration Bird Walks with Reba Collins, Texas Master Naturalist. Saturday, May 6 or Sunday, May 7 from 8:00 am to 9:30 a.m., 1787 Holford Road, Garland, TX. We will try to answer the question: What birds are in Spring Creek Forest in late spring? Will we see migrating wood warblers? Come for a morning walk and find out.
          Reservations required: Limited to 10 members per walk. Contact Reba at rcollins20@verizon.net to reserve a spot. Bring binoculars and wear comfortable walking shoes. If there has been heavy rain, rain boots may be appropriate.

An Evening with Moths

July 22, 2023
Time: 8:30 p.m.
Location: 1770 Holford
          Sam Kieschnick, Urban Wildlife Biologist for DFW Texas Parks and Wildlife, will be with us again, setting up light-stations to entice night-time insects and more to rest awhile on the lighted sheets so they can be viewed up close with a magnifying glass. Kids love this unusual event! But note that all children must be accompanied by an adult the entire time.

4th Sunday Nature Walks

September 24, 2023: Judy Aschner – Insects on the Prairie

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30
Location: TBA

Next

  • TBA

For a fun walk on your own, try our Self-Guided Interpretive Trail at 1787 Holford Road that was created by the North Texas Master Naturalist chapter in Dallas. Follow the trail markers and read about the significance of the area on your iPhone or on the downloadable flyer. https://springcreekforest.org/interpretive-1787-holford-rd/ 

Monthly Work Sessions

Date: Saturday, May 13, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. – noon
Location: 1787 Holford

This is the last regular work session until September. From 9 – 11, we do our usual good deeds for the forest and prairie, and then at 11:01, we relax at the picnic tables, each with our own lunch-pail of PBJs and apple slices. Even if you can’t come to the work portion, make a sandwich and come to the picnic. We just chat and relax.

Help clear the walking trail and take out invasive privet (plus others). We break into teams and each team has a knowledgeable volunteer, so you know exactly what to do. You could be clearing trails, taking out invasive plants (privet), opening up the prairies, even picking up trash.

  • Safety Materials: Each work session begins with a safety briefing.
  • BRING WATER. Even in the heat, wear heavy work gloves, long pants, protective eyewear, and sturdy shoes (no sandals) for your protection from poison ivy and thorns.
  • If you have them, bring loppers and/or small tree saws.
  • All participants and the parents of minors must sign our Liability Waiver.
  • All minors 16 yrs. and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
  • For Master Naturalists, this may count as Volunteer Hours on the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest project.

Next

  • Wait until the fall. The summer is too hot unless something comes up.

General Preserve Information

The above activities are specific to the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest.
For general Preserve information, please call Garland Parks and Recreation Department, 972-205-2750.
Dog Policy
On-leash dogs are welcome in our Preserve. However, note that it is illegal to have off-leash pets in Garland parks. Please call 972-205-3570, option 1 to report off-leash animals. Also, please deposit pet waste bags in the trash bins in each parking lot; do not leave bagged pet waste beside the trail.

Do you have suggestions? If you have ideas for speakers or topics for future programs, please email your suggestions to Becky Sans, beckysans7@gmail.com.

Society MembershipMembership: Join Us Today! Download our membership form: https://springcreekforest.org/join/

Monthly Email: To subscribe please contact:
Barbara_Baynham2005@yahoo.com

Make a donation! Your donation helps the all-volunteer Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest offer public lectures, conduct habitat management workdays, and offer public nature walks. Please mail your tax-deductible donation to: Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest, Attn:  Treasurer, P.O. Box 450176, Garland, TX 75045-0176