Elm Fork Nature Center

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Enjoy nature activities, interactive exhibits,
arts & crafts, and fun for all ages.

September 2024

We are learning about the Monarch butterfly migration through the U.S.

Activities
  • Create Monarch rings and take them through migration down to California and Mexico.
  • Color Monarch butterfly coloring pages.
  • Take home Milkweed seeds to support Monarch butterflies.
Previous Programs
History of Elm Fork Nature Center
Location

2335 Sandy Lake Rd
Carrollton, TX 75006 
Phone: 972-466-9811

(located within McInnish Sports Complex)

Apple Maps

Google Maps

Hours

From March to December

Open Thursdays: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. (weather permitting)

*Check the Parks & Recreation calendar for occasional special events. 

Know Before You Go
  • Elm Fork Nature Center is nestled within the Elm Fork Nature Preserve, just a few steps into the preserve itself. When you visit the center, get ready to delve into the preserve's history, its diverse plant and animal life, and much more.
  • As you explore the preserve, remember to adhere to Leave No Trace principles. It's a good idea to plan ahead and come prepared.

  • We suggest wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes, bringing along water, and packing a small snack for your visit.
  • When navigating with Google or Apple Maps, choose the location that says, "Elm Fork Nature Preserve Trail" or "Elm Fork Nature Preserve Trail Entrance."
 
  • Green Frog (Resized)

    I prefer to sleep during the day and stay awake at night. Look for me napping on leaves or fronds by the pond in the back of the preserve during the day. At night, you can spot me by the frog calls I make or find me hopping past you.

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  • Armadillo (Resized)

    I prefer to stay in deep burrows during the day, but I become more active at night. When I'm awake, you can find me foraging in the forest litter for small invertebrates.

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  • Hawk (Resized)

    The best way to find me is to go for a hike in the preserve, keeping your eyes peeled in the sky. Chances are good that the first hawk you see will be a Red-tailed hawk.

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  • Lizard

    You can find me on the bark of trees in the preserve. I might also be on logs or stumps. I'm usually shy and nervous, so if you approach me, I'll often retreat up a tree or make a noisy escape through the leaf litter on the ground.

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  • Water Snake (Resized)

    Find me near the pond in the back of the preserve. I’m often seen basking on emergent vegetation or floating on the water surface.

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  • Butterfly (Resized)

    At the Elm Fork Nature Preserve we have a diverse population of butterflies that grazes the landscape year-round. Many of them can be found in the pollinator garden out in front of the preserve. In other moments, you may find them flying throughout the preserve searching for their next meal.

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  • Owl (Resized)

    You can observe these birds year-round at the Elm Fork Nature Preserve, as they are commonly found in North Texas. For the best birdwatching experience, consider visiting during the early morning and late afternoon when many birds are most active.

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  • Turtle (Resized)

    I prefer a solitary life and usually stay within my own territory. Look for me near the pond in the back of the preserve. You're most likely to spot me just after rain, especially during spring and early summer, when I'm breeding.

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Independence Day Fireworks Show

Celebrate Independence Day with a spectacular fireworks show. Bring the family and join the City of Carrollton for an evening of patriotic fun as the show lights up the night sky with an awe-inspiring display of color. This free display will begin after sunset at approximately 9:30pm and will last 15 minutes. There will be no event onsite. For more information, visit cityofcarrollton.com/fireworks.
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