This 168 acres of native grassland wilderness within spittin' distance (almost) of downtown, may be Fort Worth's best kept secret. A stream even runs through it. A remnant of Texas prairie, these gently rolling hills covered in wildflowers, prairie grasses, mesquites, and old oaks are home to a native habitat of 280 different species of flora and fauna just north of the public-private Resource Connection compound on the city's far Southeast side. Still owned by the state, the area is maintained by Tarrant County facilities manager Keith Etheridge -- recipient this year of a statewide award for excellence in protecting the grassland's native habitat. It's open to the public for hiking, biking, picnicking, or lazy meditating. Groups can call the county to reserve it for special outings. It's not just a peaceful respite; it's a safe one. The area is patrolled 24 hours -- which means don't even think of an off-road vehicle on those pristine acres.

Readers' Choice: Fort Worth Botanic Gardens

« Previous

Next »

Print this story

E-mail this story to a friend

Discuss this story

Send a letter to the editor