Remember!
The plants and animals ARE where they belong;
YOU are the visitor.
The Preserves are the natural home to several species of small mammals including foxes, coyotes, ring-tailed cats, and bob cats. Some preserves have white tailed deer populations. NONE of these animals are tame. They may look adorable, cute and/or helpless. THEY ARE NOT. THEY ARE WILD ANIMALS. If you see infant animals, do not attempt to approach them; the mother is probably nearby and will protect her young and may attack because it believes you intend to harm its young. You may see only tracks. Most animals are nocturnal. If you encounter an animal during the day, it may be sick or otherwise disoriented. Avoid it.
- Always hike and bike with one or more companions. Never hike or bike alone.
- Stay on obvious or marked paths and trails. Do not cut through the woods.
- There are poisonous snakes in all of the Preserves. They are protected by State Law. Leave them alone.
- There are harmful plants in the Preserves. Know what poison oak, ivy and sumac look like and avoid the plants.
- Do not attempt to touch, befriend, feed, or help any wild animal you encounter in the preserves.
- Wear comfortable clothing suitable to the season.
- Take plenty of WATER with you.
- Don't litter! If you pack it in, pack it out!
Enjoy Your Visits
RULES AND ORDINANCES The County's Parks and Preserves are subject to the rules and regulations of the cities in which they are located. In general, the following regulations apply to ALL Dallas County Parks and Preserves:
- Alcohol and other intoxicants are strictly forbidden; local ordinances are enforced by local authorities.
- All motorized vehicles of any kind or size are strictly, forbidden beyond the parking lots or designated parking areas.
- All boats, canoes, kayaks, and motorized boats are prohibited on any impoundment of water within a County Park or preserve.
- Absolutely NO fireworks, firearms, blow guns, bows and arrows, nor any other weapons are allowed in County Parks or Preserves. Enforced by Sheriff's Department and local authorities.
If you have any questions about what may or may not be allowed within a County Park or Preserve, call the City in which the park or preserve is located or call the County Park and Open Space Administrator at (214) 653-6653.
STATE REGULATIONSDallas County is a part of the State of Texas; therefore, the Parks and Preserves are protected under the Texas Natural Resource Code of 1977 and the Texas Antiquities Code. Violations are punishable by a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $1000 and/or a jail term.These codes protect archaeological remains as well as plant and animal life. Animal life includes, but is not limited to, reptiles such as rattle snakes, copperheads, water moccasins, coral snakes, lizards and the American Alligators, as well as all birds and mammals living in the Preserves. |
