John F. Burke Nature Preserve - Farmers Branch, Texas

Stig's Inferno

This nature preserve contains a small wetlands and wilderness area nestled between freeway overpasses. It's interesting to experience a small preserve nestled so close to urban space. It's surprisingly peaceful and secluded, although the rush of traffic is very clearly heard throughout the preserve. The well groomed pathways are deceivingly short because the preserve feels a lot bigger than it actually is. The wetlands are host to a variety of easily found animals like songbirds, butterflies, frogs, and turtles. I didn't see any mammals but I'm sure they're in there somewhere. It seems like a fantastic place to bring young kids to do some early development exploring. They are boardwalks and picnic tables and plenty of shade. Restrooms can be found at the entrance and there is a small parking lot under the overpass. There is no fee to enter the preserve.

Kye Lee

I really enjoyed walking here in the morning on the pond trail. It was an easy 30 minute walk for 0.5 miles. The restrooms are closed, but there is porta-potty available in the parking lot.

Yolanda Roa

Wonderful trails, very well maintained and despite being so close to the highway, you can feel in the middle of a forest. Nice places to seat and just enjoy the view. Not too long but you can walk it a few times if you like.

Linda Dawn

The crushed granite pond trail was a nice short loop for a relaxing walk. There are overlook areas to enjoy the view. The pond doesn't have water right now, but I look forward to seeing it when it does. There are easy-to-read animal and plant identification markers. There is a steep driveway down into the parking area; just be prepared for it.

Ryan Parr

I've probably driven over this area numerous times, as it's just beneath a highway, crossing over the 'Elm Fork' branch of the Trinity river system, where you can spot alligator gar (a fish that can resemble alligator and grow to be as big.) This is a very similar--small--trail to the Elm Fork Nature Preserve which is adjacent to baseball fields, only this area seems a bit more wet and difficult to walk across without getting muddy if it has rained recently, so parts of the trail system are flooded, during these times.

I also spotted what looked like some kind of hooved foot prints, though I don't believe any hogs were in this area, at least they are more common south of here. What are shown on the signs are beaver that are in the pond and river system which I didn't see, and I suspect are nutria (very similar to beaver) have been spotted in places like the Carrollton public library; the one next to a retirement community on Josey, not the one off Hebron pkwy,) which I have photographed devouring the cattail plants. The red tail hawk shows up here and I saw it at the Elm Fork Nature Preserve. Both areas are great, though this one is great, if not a bit obscure with the steep drive down (and I just happened across the sign and was looking for a place to start photographing.)

One thing to mention is you can walk the entire trail and not encounter anyone. It also helps to download a Google Lens app whenever you spot anything interesting. If you are closer to downtown Dallas, Joppa Preserve is a great place to go to, and it's far more accessible and has a park atmosphere with cement walking paths. The Google directions seemed to point towards an entrance way further down from the actual entrance, so it might be easy to overlook. . . I just edited the google maps location to the correct address, of 1199 Valley View.

Michael Driskill

Beautiful recently improved urban nature preserve. New additions include ADA approved decomposed granite pathways, elevated wildlife viewing areas over the lake and stream. Shaded parking. A wonderful natural oasis nestled within the DFW metroplex.

Fabiano Garcia

Nice nature preserve, very convenient located close to Farmers Branch and Las Colinas. Dirty trails perfect for walking and running. The trails are not long, so if you want to do a longer work out you will need to do multiple loops. It is totally worth to come and visit at least once.

Andy Burke

Wonderful place to visit. Recently upgraded with trails and overlooks. Definitely coming back over the summer for a picnic or two with daughter and some nature walks.