INDIAN TRAIL MASTER NATURALISTS

WORK DAYS: 2ND SATURDAY 9-11AM

3RD FRIDAY 6-8PM/MONTHLY AT THE LADD

WHAT WE HAVE BEEN UP TO:

Did we mention the voter petition and all of the work to help get the Charles F. Ladd Nature Preserve created. Countless volunteer hours, unheard of citizen engagement, and finally, a Preserve!

Again participated in the Christmas parade for a third time with an epic Ladd diorama.  540 wildflower seed packets were packed and distributed along with info and instruction labels along the parade route,  DNC decals were also given out.  How about that flowing river complete with otter and flying hawks?

The DNC identified and directed 9 architects to the city of Duncanville; one, Halff and Associated was selected to complete the Master Plan for the Charles F. Ladd Nature Preserve. Halff, along with Lake Flato and Blackland Collaborative, would be considered premiere conservation related design firms.

The Ladd Nature Preserve Advisory Committee including conservancy met 4 times with architects Halffe and Lake Flato in collaboration with Blackland Collaborative. Next meeting this Tuesday evening at council.

The council approved the Master Plan for the Charles F. Ladd Nature Preserve March 4, 2025. The Preserve was subsequently moved into “The Parks Department” and should be there in perpetuity.

April-Laddfest 2024 raising awareness, having fun, and also raising over $45,000, with $40,000 invested in high yield CD’s. We ended 2023 with $1,100 in account and much out of pocket expense.  Event considered a major success with citizen engagement, sponsors, nature groups and experts, and fun. Speakers were Sheri Capehart of the Sheri Capehart Nature Preserve (and longest tenured Arlington council person), Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Scouts, Village Tech school students, master naturalists, Doug Finch City Manager, ending with a demonstration by Blackland Prairie Raptor Center.

April-Laddfest 2025 was a hit. Petunia the vulture walking the aisles stole the show but speakers and entertainment were at the top of their game. Devon Kodzis storyteller, Amy Martin Author Wild DFW, Blackland Collaborative Michelle Bertelsen and John Hart Asher, Pianist Jeremy Koontz, Master Naturalists Robby and Tabbie, Blackland Prairie Raptors as well as silent auction. Raised over $5,000.

Hosted the April 2024 candidate forum in which nearly every Duncanville Council candidate participated.

Worked with architectural designers at HKS Architects in conjunction with Master Naturalist to work on preserving and utilizing existing wildlife and natural habitats at the new large k-12 charter school project at Danieldale and Cockrell Hill Road.

Jan – Feb - Were supportive and front and center in support of the KDB native landscape ordinance which passed. 

Prepared over 800 native wildflower seed packs and began distribution to Duncanville Library seed library, to Cox’s Farm Nursery to be distributed with each sale of native plants.

Granted and approved first conservation grant project proposal to Indian Trial Master Naturalists for $1,000 for invasive species removal and wildlife monitoring at the Charles F. Ladd Nature Preserve.

June 2025 the DNC proposed wildflower planting grant of $12,000 to the city of Duncanville to plant the 16.9 acres of the Danieldale savannah at the Ladd in wildflowers to create an outstanding community event, broaden tourism, engage volunteers. The mode was drilling and planting. The project was directed by the city manager to be forwarded to KDB committee and then to council for consideration but no action was taken by the city prior to first freeze of November 2025. Support for wild grassland rehabilitation also being considered.

Opened an extended dialogue with US Fish and Wildlife Service for consideration as a select project to address invasive plant mitigation at the Ladd Preserve. Conversation being taken to USFWS committee.

The DNC created and gifted Charles F. Ladd Nature Preserve Sign is UP January 4 2026! The Duncanville Nature Conservancy met with the Parks Commission a few weeks ago and in very positive conversations with the Board and Parks, approval was given to install the sign. The DNC freshened up the sign and prepped it for install. Bart and Jonathan at Parks orchestrated looking for underground utilities and digging the holes and members of the Nature Conservancy along with help from the Master Naturalists and Parks set the sign. Many thanks to Mark Croysdale and sons, of Lone Star Printing (and member of the DNC) for the thoughtful design and creation of this sign custom built from Oklahoma custom milled eastern cedar. And many thanks to the citizens of Duncanville and supporters of the Duncanville Nature Conservancy. The sign is at the corner of Danieldale and Cedar Hill Roads. Swing by to take a look. More great projects to come at the Ladd and in Duncanville.

On January 20,2026, after continued discussions and meetings, the Duncanville city council voted to create a Ladd Preserve Board (commission) made up of approximately 7 citizens, interested parties,experts and council members to discuss and make decisions affecting the Ladd. This should accelerate activity and actions and work at the Ladd dramatically. Village Tech school and student body is highly engaged and have and will make a real difference at the Ladd and in Duncanville conservation and parks

.April 10,2026 Thanks to everyone who came out to work on the pop-up trail project. Lots of folks came out, many with kids in tow, (and thanks to DeMonica Gooden, city councilwoman at large for participating) showing how it takes a village - and it is a ton of fun. Kudos to the Indian Trail Master Naturalists who did a great job initiating and marking the trail and working with the City to coordinate and deliver mulch. The Duncanville Nature Conservancy did all it could to support the effort and the group effort landed with an almost complete trail. Roughly 90 cubic yards of mulch was placed (almost 1,000 wheel barrow loads...lots of hard hand work but also thankful for the spunky tractor that could). There is still some smoothing and spreading work to do but it is close...and it was already in use Saturday morning. Almost 1 mile long and starts and ends at the parking lot. Another hooray for civic engagement and interest. Sore muscles definitely worth it.

April 22, 2026 Happy Earth Day from the Duncanville Nature Conservancy!Today is a reminder of how important it is to protect and celebrate the natural spaces that sustain and inspire our community. One such place is our Charles F. Ladd Nature Preserve—a 50-acre sanctuary in southwest Duncanville along the peaceful path of Ten Mile Creek. With its shaded woodlands, limestone creek beds, native Blackland Prairie plants, and wildlife ranging from birds and butterflies to beavers and river otters, the preserve offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature right here at home. Visitors can explore soft-surface trails, stroll boardwalks through wetlands and prairie, and enjoy scenic overlooks and outdoor classrooms designed for learning and reflection.Established through the generosity of the Ladd family and supported by the City of Duncanville, the preserve stands as a living classroom dedicated to education, conservation, and community engagement. In the spirit of Earth Day, we’re excited to share an opportunity to get involved through the City of Duncanville Ladd Preserve Advisory Committee. If you’re passionate about preserving and shaping one of our community’s most treasured natural space, we encourage you to apply and help guide its future.https://www.duncanvilletx.gov/.../gove.../boards_commissionshttps://www.duncanvilletx.gov/.../gove.../boards_commissions