Your Urban Ecosystem Adventure Awaits
Arlington , TX , with a population of almost 400,000 and spread across approximately 99 square miles , is located in the heart of the DFW Metroplex — precisely midway between Fort Worth and Dallas . Part of what makes Arlington appealing is its bustling Entertainment District , home to the Dallas Cowboys ( AT & T Stadium ), Texas Rangers ( Globe Life Field ), Dallas Wings ( College Park Center ), Arlington Renegades ( Choctaw Stadium ), Arlington Museum of Art , Bowling Hall of Fame , Texas Live !, National Medal of Honor Museum , Six Flags over Texas , and many more attractions . But Arlington is more than a museophile ’ s or sports aficionado ’ s paradise . Arlington is part of a dynamic and diverse urban ecosystem .
I know , it might seem funny to apply the term “ ecosystem ” to the 50th most populous city in the United States , but urban ecosystems are perhaps the most familiar of all ecosystems . It is the community of plants , animals , and humans that inhabit the urban environment in an area physically dominated by built structures like buildings and roads . Yet , urban ecosystems also contain a rich patchwork of blue and green spaces too — urban creeks , rivers , parks , greenways , etc .— that are the living heart of the urban ecosystem . They represent the interconnection of the human and the wild , providing a lifeline to local wildlife , and tranquility , relaxation , and enjoyment for urban dwellers and visitors alike .
Especially important are the watersheds within the urban ecosystem . Watersheds are important parts of both wild and civilized places . Within the city ( and outside it ) watersheds express the flow of water , with its power to connect places , its ability to move materials , its capacity to support rich biological activity , and its power to nourish human life . Therefore , watersheds are a fundamental part of all ecosystems and habitats — including urban ecosystems . But as cities spread out , many creeks become buried in pipes , encased in hard channels by stone or concrete walls , or hidden under streets and buildings . They can sometimes become “ lost ” in our urban ( constructed ) landscape . And without the everyday evidence of creeks , city dwellers and visitors to our fair city may be unaware of the watersheds where they live , work , or play .
This guide was created in an effort to encourage residents and visitors to Arlington to “ find ” and connect with our urban watersheds — our “ Eco-tainment ” spaces , if you will . These are the complex and dynamic interfaces between biological communities of plants and animals , and urban infrastructure . They are eco-centric , hikeable , bikeable , walkable , swimmable , boatable , and fishable playgrounds — the naturally fun and naturally beautiful places in Arlington ’ s watersheds ( with a few historic “ built ” places added for good measure ).
Within the guide , you ’ ll find details about Arlington ’ s ten ( 10 ) watersheds : Bowman Branch , Cottonwood , Fish , Johnson , Lower Village , Lynn , Rush , Trinity Tributaries , Upper Village , and Walnut , including watershed highlights , local wildlife , and activities in which to engage . Each watershed offers unique natural amenities and opportunities to immerse yourself in nature . Meant to evoke the nostalgia of using an “ old school road map ”, this guide identifies hidden gems in both the natural and built , the historic and contemporary , for residents and visitors to enjoy . Look for special icons that identify Eco-tainment opportunities like : Paddling Pursuits , Hike & Bike , Historic Highlights , Cast & Catch , and Wildlife Watching .
We Streamkeepers ( those who actively participate in protecting , preserving , enhancing , and restoring local waterways ), recognize that awareness of urban watersheds can only come from personal experience . So , future Streamkeeper , whether you choose to launch your kayak on the Trinity , explore biking trails through Rush Creek , or birdwatch in Lower Village , each adventure will engage your sense of wonder and help you “ see ” the urban watershed again ( or for the first time ). So turn the page and dive in ! Your urban ecosystem adventure awaits !
Brigette Gibson , Ph . D ., REM , CPMSM , CNRM Stormwater Quality Manager