Cottonwood Creek Preserve

Check out this contributed article about last Sunday's outing in the Nature Preserve.


Bright and early Sunday (June 21), Councilwoman Marlena Dyess Planning and Zoning Board member Casey Burgess along with Mayor Steele were given an escorted tour of the Cottonwood Creek Wildlife Preserve. Escort for this tour was Mary Phinney, Administrator for Dallas County Trail and Preserve Program. “Wilmer has been blessed with this natural forest virtually untouched since the 1870’s, right in our own backyard”, said Mayor Steele, “with over 2 miles of surface trails and 220 acres of natural beauty, this is a resource that needs to be addressed."



The Preserve in its current configuration, is divided into two separate areas. The east side of the preserve remains in its natural state, home to deer, flying squirrels, raccoons, armadillos and other native species of animals.




 


No vehicular traffic is allowed in this area and is accessed only by the hiking trails. The west side has a play ground, picnic pavilion, grills and parking areas. This side is open to future recreational development by the City, which is presently investigating a Frisbee golf course to be located here, as well as future basketball courts, soccer and baseball fields and tennis courts.

“As Wilmer continues to grow and prosper, the recreational needs of our Citizens, becomes more and more important. We have an obligation to provide these types of facilities for our children and their families”, said Councilwoman Dyess.

In the near future, we will be looking for volunteers to help restore some of the signage that needs repainting and to clear off some of the trails to make them more accessible to everyone. If you are interested in helping with this project, please call City Hall at 972.441.6373.

(ED NOTE: ANIMALS ARE NOT TO BE RELEASED INTO THE WILDLIFE PRESERVE FOR GRAZING WITHOUT A PERMIT. PLEASE CALL CITY HALL FOR MORE INFORMATION.)