Natural Areas

Environmental Preservation

The Park and Recreation Department's commitment to environmental self-stewardship means managing park lands and resources so they can be used and enjoyed now and in the future. The department has established a Natural and Wildflower Program in an effort to beautify properties within the park system and reduce the environmental impact of mowing large areas of parkland on a regular basis.

Dallas Park and Recreation maintains about 100 wildflower zones across the city’s park system. These areas are set aside to support pollinators, add seasonal color, and reduce routine maintenance.

Wildflower zones allow the department to delay mowing for roughly three to four months during the growing season. This effort lowers mowing costs while giving native plants time to bloom and produce seed, which benefits bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

These areas are managed intentionally. Once plants have gone to seed, flower diversity declines, or invasive species such as Johnsongrass begin to dominate, the area may be mowed or reset. This maintenance helps keep the site healthy and ready for future wildflower growth.

Wildflower zones are one way we balance park appearance, conservation, and efficient use of resources—creating parks that work better for both people and wildlife

The Park Department continues to identify locations throughout the park system where natural and wildflower areas could be established in order to meet the city's goals of reducing carbon emissions.

Goals
 Once established, natural and wildflower areas:

  • Significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with mowing, trimming and transportation of maintenance equipment.
  • Can reduce erosion along creek banks and drainage areas by providing soil stabilization.
  • Cover bare spots where grass will not grow.

Seasonal Schedule

  • Areas will be initially established by scalping to prevent unwanted plant growth before seeding in mid to late September
  • Established areas will begin blooming in early Spring and into June
  • Established wildflowers areas “go to seed” in August
  • Seeded areas are mowed to promote disbursement for the following season

Rules

Standard park rules apply to natural areas.