White Rock Lake: T.P. Hill

We first visited T.P. Hill last fall to join some friends for a cookout. While enjoying the view of the lake and waiting on our burgers, I heard a strange noise. My first thought is “this is White Rock Lake, not a National Geographic special.” After a few minutes we spotted some of Dallas’ more exotic residents: a flock of monk parakeets.

Also known as Quaker Parrots, these bright and boisterous birds have established colonies throughout the Metroplex.  You can find the parrots’ large colony nest in an electrical substation just off the road that runs to the Pump Station and Filter Building.

 Two nests at substation

During subsequent visits we discovered that T.P. Hill was a great location for spotting a variety of wildlife. We have seen egrets, herons, hawks, swallows, bullfrogs, fish, water snakes, dragonflies, and several species of duck in addition to the noisy green parrots. In the spring there were both mallard and wood duck ducklings.

 

Want to Explore?

Location: 3400 W. Lawther Drive, Dallas, TX

Parking: Available at both T.P. Hill and across the inlet by the Pump Station, Filter Building, and new Boathouse

Other Notes: Trails are paved and stroller friendly, but be sure to watch out for bicyclists. Bathrooms and porta-potties are available. The bathroom seemed neglected but functional. Nice playground located on the top of the hill, but very sunny.

An Introduction

I grew up on 15 acres in rural Oklahoma that I was free to explore. There were fields and forest, a creek, a fish pond, horses, great horned owls, beaver, deer, snakes, quail, herons, opossums, raccoons, and barns full of old junk.

My husband grew up in a tiny West Texas town of less than 300 people. There was an abundance of livestock, mountain lions, snakes, scorpions, caves, rocks, arroyos, and rivers. One year they even had a pet fox. We had the sorts of childhoods that many people bemoan that kids don’t have anymore.

We now live in Dallas, Texas with our toddler son, and we have often wondered “Is it possible to give kids that sort of freedom to explore in a big city?” And “If it is, where would they go? What is there to explore here?”

Dallas is a city celebrated for its business successes and built environment. It was recently ranked as America's “Worst Outdoor City” by Outside Magazine. While I’m among those disagree with that label, there isn’t a culture of enjoying the outdoors in Dallas. Many people I’ve talked to here are unaware of great nature spots near to their own neighborhood, and I’m not sure how much the city values or promotes its natural beauty.

In this blog, I have set out to provide a guide to those looking for nature areas to explore in the Dallas area. I particularly hope to be useful to families who would like to provide their kids with opportunities to explore, but don’t know where to start. If you have any suggestions or question as I go along, please leave me a comment.