Centuries-Old Tree Dedicated at Arlington Preserve
Published October 29, 2019 By A.G. DOMKE
A 200-year-old oak tree in Arlington was recently recognized as a historic tree thanks to an intrepid tree lover.
Wes Culwell, a Fort Worth arborist, discovered the old post oak at Southwest Nature Preserve in 2015.
He was preparing to give a presentation on historic trees at a Friends of Southwest Nature Preserve meeting, when he asked to be shown around the nature area. Located just south of I-20 on Bowman Springs Road in southwest Arlington, the park has been kept as a wildscape. No soccer fields, just a few picnic tables dot the perimeter of the parking lot, surrounded by rapidly expanding urban sprawl.
The preserve almost became a housing development back in 2004. But the Arlington Parks and Recreation officials and City Council member Sheri Capehart along with residents lobbied to keep it a wildlife refuge. They envisioned a smaller version of River Legacy Park, the 1,300-acre jewel of the Arlington Parks system, located in north Arlington.
To read the full article, select the Download PDF button to the right and under the picture of the tree above.
About the author
Mr. J.G. Domke
Mr. Domke is a journalist based in Arlington focused on urban nature, native landscaping and preservation. E-books include: "Duck Rules Growing Up" and "Game Day - Arlington Texas: Make the most of your visit to north Texas."
Mr. Domke was raised in Greeley Colorado, where he looked forward to Sunday trips to Rocky Mountain National Park. A journalist who likes telling the story in words and pictures, he has worked at numerous newspapers around the country. He is now based in Arlington, where there is lots of sun and no fear of getting stuck in the snow. Contact him at jim.domke@gmail.com.