Question about natural areas around the metroplex (Dallas, Fort Worth: to live in, malls)

[moving from mass]

Hi,
I'm considering moving to the Dallas-Fort Worth area for a job (in Arlington) and I've never been to Texas. I do a ton of nature photography as a hobby and generally like being able to get out of the city... I know the DFW area is huge, but I have lived in some big cities like Los Angeles and found there were plenty of places to walk, take pix of desert plants etc. There's lots of discussion of the malls on the forums but I was wondering if anyone had anything to say one way or another about whether there was access to natural areas/whether there was one area better than another to live in etc. if you were much more into nature than into malls & stadiums. Thanks a lot!

[Dallas native]

Originally Posted by moving from mass

Hi,
I'm considering moving to the Dallas-Fort Worth area for a job (in Arlington) and I've never been to Texas. I do a ton of nature photography as a hobby and generally like being able to get out of the city... I know the DFW area is huge, but I have lived in some big cities like Los Angeles and found there were plenty of places to walk, take pix of desert plants etc. There's lots of discussion of the malls on the forums but I was wondering if anyone had anything to say one way or another about whether there was access to natural areas/whether there was one area better than another to live in etc. if you were much more into nature than into malls & stadiums. Thanks a lot!

The Trinity River Audobon might be of interest to you. You don't even have to leave the city to get there as it is just 8 miles south of downtown Dallas. Audubon Texas - Trinity River Audubon Center > Calendar.

[momof2dfw]

Texas Parks & Wildlife Department | Welcome
This is a good place to start. There are many areas that are great for a weekend trip and some BEAUTIFUL areas. Check out many of these and you will see that Texas is not like what many people believe it is. Garner State Park, Lost Maples, Cedar Hill (just south of Dallas) and MANY MANY others.


Cedar Hill State Park
TPWD: Cedar Hill State Park

The Dallas Arboretum

White Rock Lake

The Great Trinity Forest

Spring Creek Forest Preserve

Yes, you can find nature around here.

[TriumphOfTheSprint]

Also,

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano - Arbor Hills Nature Preserve*
Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area - Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area

I'll second the Arboretum, http://www.city-data.com/forum/dalla...um-photos.html - it's a great place for plant photography.

[ricwil]

Cedar Ridge Preserve, formerly Dallas Nature Center. You can see the new Dallas Cowboy football stadium in Arlington from the lookout towers out there. Also nearby will be the Dogwood Canyon Preserve next the Cedar Mountain both of these are just south of the the Cedar Hill State Park entrance. Just for reference, this area is about 20 minutes from just about anywhere in Arlington, Texas. I am just a little biased since I live in Cedar Hill but it is about the prettiest natural area in all of Dallas County

[ricwil]

Here is a link:

Here is Cedar Ridge website:
Audubon Dallas

[moving from mass]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the info and the links... those photos from the arboretum are gorgeous! I never pictured Texas looking like that... this definitely helps me make my decision. I really appreciate all of your replies.