Big Spring
In 2016, Dallas Landmark Commission voted to name Big Spring an historic landmark for the City of Dallas. This is a first of its kind designation and the purpose of the designation is to help preserve this area for future generations.
The City of Dallas, its federal partners and stakeholder groups such as the area Master Naturalists, work year around to preserve all aspects of this beautiful natural place in the Great Trinity Forest. In 2013, the City of Dallas requested the University of North Texas (UNT), with advice from the Lewisville Aquatic Ecosystem Research Facility (LAERF), a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers affiliate, develop, implement, and supervise a vegetation management plan for Big Spring. For this restorative natural spring setting, proposals and verified scientific restoration methods are followed, and these are practices are incorporated in the Dallas Floodway Extension Project and in the Great Trinity Forest Management Plan adopted by the then City Council in 2008.
Vegetation Management is an ongoing project. This work, collectively performed by the City of Dallas, UNT, LAERF, area Master Naturalist groups, and other stakeholder groups is documented and reported. The document is provided to the City of Dallas on an annual basis by LAERF in their Big Spring Vegetation Management Status Report.
The Big Spring is open for visits and tours several times throughout the year. Individuals and groups may also request private tours, weather permitting by sending an e-mail to mytrinityriver@dallascityhall.com.
Big Spring flowing natural spring and its variety of plants.
Elevated portion of the trail as it rises to connect with the historic Santa Fe Train Trestle across the river.
Photo By: David Mimlitch
Elevated portion of the trail as it rises to connect with the historic Santa Fe Train Trestle across the river.
Photo By: David Mimlitch
