Coppell Nature Park – Coppell, Texas
Trails & Habitat
Coppell Nature Park is a 66-acre park located within Wagon Wheel Park on the west side of Coppell, Texas. The Nature Park is a natural habitat for hawks, coyotes, bobcats, and other animals. More than 130 different species of birds migrate through the park each year and numerous types of native vegetation may be found within the Park. There are over five miles of trails to explore.
It is a natural space that features three types of habitat for local wildlife: Cross Timbers forest, Blackland prairie, and Cottonwood Creek. Always think safety first while exploring nature. Stay on the trails, wear weather-appropriate attire and have plenty of water. Be respectful of the environment and do not litter.
Enjoy observing, but avoid disturbing, destroying, or removing what you find. Unlike domestic pets, wild animals generally avoid interaction with humans and will flee if given the opportunity. If you encounter a wild animal, remain calm and quiet and do not provoke it.
Biodiversity Education Center
The Biodiversity Education Center at Coppell Nature Park promotes and provides hands-on environmental education. Participants of the education programs, for both school and the community, observe and learn about local flora, fauna, and environmental sustainability issues, as well as develop a deeper connection to their environment through nature.
Amenities
- Jogging Trail
- Nature Trail
- Picnic
- Pond, Stream
- Trails
Visiting the Park
Park hours are daily from sunrise to sunset. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. Other pets, bicycles, and strollers are not allowed within the Nature Park as they will disrupt the ecological balance of the park.
Get Involved
You and your family and help maintain and improve the Nature Park and support the programs at the Biodiversity Education Center! Contribute funds in multiple ways, volunteer for workdays & special projects, and join our Friends of Coppell Nature Park membership program.
Friends of Coppell Nature Park volunteers help the Coppell Parks and Recreation Department maintain this park, which is used for hiking and wildlife observation. Coppell Nature Park includes three habitats: Cross Timbers Forest, Blackland prairie, and Cottonwood Creek. Each habitat contains a variety of species that require specific conditions to survive; some of these species have been recognized as endangered or threatened by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The USFWS has identified Coppell Nature Park as a critical wildlife preserve due to its diverse habitat types.
Cross Timbers Forest covers most of Coppell Nature Park. It has been described by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department as “a mosaic of live oaks, juniper-magnolia woodlands, and post oak grasslands.” Coppell Nature Park serves as an important source of habitat for White-tail deer (Odocoileus Virginianus), which have been recognized as a threatened species by the USFWS. The Coppell Nature Park is also home to many birds that are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 – Coppell Nature Park provides nesting space to Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) and other raptors.
Blackland Prairie is used as grazing land for livestock. It is important for wildlife species because it provides native plants and insects with food. Coppell Nature Park has two areas of Blackland prairie. Coppell Nature Park also contains Cottonwood Creek, a tributary to the Trinity River. Cottonwood Creek is home to snapping turtles and American bullfrogs (Lithobates Catesbeianus), which are both classified as threatened species by the USFWS.