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.

    Learn More
  • 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.

    Learn More
  • 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.

    Learn More
  • 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.

    Learn More
  • 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.

    Learn More

Total Solar Eclipse Watch Party

  • Date: 04/08/2024 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM  
  • Location: Carrollton Public Library at Josey Ranch Lake
    1700 Keller Springs Rd
    Carrollton, Texas 75006
  • Introduction: Solar viewers available for walk-ups, while supplies last, on the day.

Don’t miss the celestial watch party right here in Carrollton. The City is uniquely positioned in the eclipse’s path to witness the exact moment when the moon entirely obscures the sun, creating a twilight midday.

Experience the cosmic wonder and enjoy:

  • Outdoor games
  • Crafts for the little ones

Bring your own blankets or chairs and lunch. A snack of popcorn and bottled water will be available while supplies last.

The City is providing complimentary eclipse glasses and viewers on-site for a safe and unforgettable eclipse experience. Eclipse glasses and viewers can only be picked up during the watch party on April 8.

Registration for eclipse glasses is fully booked, unless someone cancels. There is no waitlist, so if someone cancels, then you will see a  Begin Registration button after clicking/tapping the registration link below.

A limited number of solar viewers will be available on a first come, first served basis for walk-ups during the event. while supplies last.

Eclipse glasses provided through a grant from SEAL—Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries

Solar viewers for walk-ups provided by Carrollton Parks & Recreation

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