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 White Rock Lake No portrait of "Natural Dallas" would be complete without including White Rock Lake, a 1,254 acre body of water originally created by damming the White Rock Creek tributary of the Trinity River. The lake and surrounding park land offer an urban oasis of nature, as well as excellent recreational and cultural activities. A prime example of the lake's natural assets is Sunset Bay (pictured above,) year-round home to numerous wetland bird species. Migratory bird species traveling along the North American Central Flyway also frequently make a stopover in the bay. |
The Park The lake is the defining feature of White Rock Lake Park, a City of Dallas park covering almost 2000 acres. Among the park amenities, miles of trails provide opportunities to catch a glimpse of many of the park's wild inhabitants. Somewhat off the beaten path, the Old Fish Hatchery Nature Area includes a beaver pond in the midst of a moist woodland habitat, along with one of the park's |
Community Support The contributions of those who roll up their sleeves or dig into their pockets in support of the lake are instrumental. The non-profit group For the Love of the Lake (FTLOTL) mobilizes volunteers and donors to preserve and enhance White Rock Lake Park. FTLOTL organizes regular events, such as "Adopt-a-Shoreline" to keep the lake's shore litter-free. Also active in supporting the park, works with the City of Dallas's Parks and Recreation Department through major fundraising initiatives. |
Citizen ScienceWater quality is an important factor in a healthy aquatic ecosystem. The Texas Stream Team citizen science project helps monitor water quality in lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, bays, bayous and estuaries in Texas. Are you interested in joining the team that monitors White Rock Lake and its tributaries? For more information, see FTLOTL's Texas Stream Team Webpage. |
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Urban ecology : an introduction
by Ian Douglas
"Urban Ecology: An Introduction seeks to open the reader's mind and eyes to the way in which nature permeates everyday urban living, and how it has to be understood, cared for, and managed to make our towns and cities healthier places in which to live and more resilient to environmental and other changes. The authors examine how contact with nature can improve our health, the air we breathe, the waters we use and our enjoyment of parks and gardens. The texts sets out the science that underlies the changing natural scene and the management tools used to ensure that cities become both capable of adapting to climate change and more beautiful and more resilient places in which to live. The work begins with a discussion of the nature of urban places and the role of nature in towns and cities. In Part 1 the authors consider the context and content of urban ecology, its relationship to other foci of interest within ecology and other environmental sciences, and the character of city landscapes and ecosystems. InPart 2 the authors set out the physical and chemical components of urban ecosystems and ecological processes, including urban weather and climate, urban geomorphology and soils"
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White Rock Lake
by Sally Rodriguez
In 1909, Dallas city leaders approved the damming of White Rock Creek to create a new water source for the increasing needs of a growing city. As a result, so much of the life and history of Dallas has echoed through the life and history of White Rock Lake. In the early decades, the lake was home to many private summer homes and boat houses, as well as hunting and fishing clubs. Soon thereafter, a bathing beach, sailing clubs, public boathouses, and picnic facilities were added. The Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration transformed the lake with more recreational and leisure amenities. World War II brought increased military uses that included a POW camp for German officers. Those early city leaders could hardly know that the lake they were creating 10 miles outside of Dallas would become an urban oasis enjoyed by over two million visitors a year.
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White Rock Lake revisited
by Sally Rodriguez
For more than 100 years, White Rock Lake has been the people's playground. The types of lake activities popular here have changed through the decades as Dallas has grown from a small country town to a large metropolitan city. The lake first known for hunting and fishing is now an urban oasis enjoyed by well over two million visitors a year. Images of America: White Rock Lake Revisited focuses on the people and activities of the lake and expands on the previously published Images of America: White Rock Lake.
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Business & Technology Division,Dallas Public Library
1515 Young St., 5th Floor
Dallas, Texas 75201
214-670-1400www.dallaslibrary.org |
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