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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Spring Family Campout

Carrollton Parks & Recreation Department invites you and your family to come for a night beneath the stars, a time to enjoy the outdoors and spend quality time together!

The campout will be held at the McInnish Softball Complex and opens at 3 PM. Set up camp quickly, so you can enjoy games like giant Jenga, Connect Four, and checkers. There will be ongoing activities at the Elm Fork Nature Center from 4:30 PM-6:00 PM for people all of ages, children up to 14 years old will have to be accompanied by a parent. The evening includes dinner, a bonfire, and the screening of 'Super Mario Bros'. Campers must provide their own camping equipment. Breakfast will be provided in the morning while you break camp.

Registration is required for each individual camper online or on-site registration will be allowed from 3 PM until dark. Participants under 5 years old are not required to be registered.

Register at cityofcarrollton.com/signupnow. Make sure to click on 'Outdoor' and search the 'Familly Campout' on the Keyword Search bar to find the event.

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