Colleyville Nature Center – Colleyville, Texas
The Location
Located just 30 minutes from the heart of downtown Dallas and only 20 minutes from Fort Worth, Colleyville Nature Center is conveniently located. It also provides a quiet, picturesque setting for an engagement session.
Another highlight is that you are sure to see some wildlife during your time there. For instance, the ponds are fully stocked with fish and there are several species of birds, including owls, around.
From Northeast Loop 820 in North Richland Hills, take the Hwy. 26/Grapevine Hwy. Exit and follow Hwy. 26/Grapevine Hwy. northeast for 4.8 miles. Turn left onto Glade Rd. and proceed 0.6 miles to Mill Creek Dr. Turn left and follow Mill Creek Dr. through a subdivision for 0.3 miles to the park entrance.
Nature Center
This riparian natural area, with a large creek, forested wetlands, and 9 lakes, offers a unique opportunity to enjoy riparian habitats within an urban area. It acts as a buffer between Little Bear Creek and the surrounding residential areas. Visitors are first drawn to the ponds near the parking area. A short wooden pier allows for viewing Mallard Duck, geese, Barn Swallow, Purple Martin, and Green Heron on the ponds.
An easily accessible paved trail leads into a densely wooded area near Little Bear Creek. From here unpaved nature trails loop around the area. Birds such as Carolina Chickadee, flycatchers, and titmice are often seen.
A canopy of post oak, cottonwood, pecan, and American elm shade the benches and picnic tables placed along the trails. The understory consists of cedar elm, red mulberry, and sugar hackberry. The trails lead to 5 more interconnected lakes teeming with kingfishers, woodpeckers, flycatchers, hummingbirds, herons, egrets, ducks, and owls. Northern Rough-winged Swallows swoop over the ponds picking insects off the surface. Raccoons, rabbits, and armadillos can also be seen.
This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
During your visit, take a walk on the paved trail that leads to Little Bear Creek, a small creek that flows through the area. Once you reach the creek, the trails are unpaved, but they’re well-maintained. You’ll find benches and picnic tables along the walking trails that provide opportunities to rest, grab a snack, or enjoy a picnic lunch.
It’s common to see hummingbirds, egrets, owls, woodpeckers, and other native wildlife on the center’s grounds, so tell your kids to keep an out for them. The center opens 30 minutes before sunrise and closes 30 minutes after sunset.