Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature Around Dallas-Fort Worth
by Amy Martin
“There’s no real nature in North Texas.” Oh really? Hardwood bottomland forests. Well-preserved swaths of the “cast iron forest” of Eastern Cross Timbers. Soaring limestone escarpments and quizzical cuestas. Vast wetlands and swamps. Rich riparian corridors along rivers and large creeks. Rare remnants of wildflower-filled Blackland and Fort Worth Prairies. Three immense preserves from 2600 to 3600 acres, plus the 6000-acre Great Trinity Forest. Two large lake-based state parks. A huge national wildlife refuge for water-loving birds. North Central Texas has all this and more.
Travel down the many forks of the Trinity River—Clear, East, Elm, and West—and their reservoirs to discover the watery roadmap that shapes our terrain and is home to a 127-mile-long nationally recognized paddling trail. North Central Texas is an ecotone that transitions the eastern deciduous forest into the western plains. Its astounding ecological diversity arises from many tilted bedrock layers ranging from 75 to 350 million years old, the multitude of soil types which that generates, and the wide-ranging flora those foster. The river ties it all together.
Wild DFW’s front section on natural history and ecology also covers:
- The wild ways of nature after dark.
- Geology forged by an ancient inland sea.
- Invasive species that threaten the region’s ecology.
- How to turn your backyard into a nature sanctuary.
- Epic migrations of birds and insects through the area.
- Native wildlife and the native flora that sustains them.
- The citizen scientists who are surveying nature for further study.
- Weather accentuated by tornadoes, ice storms, drought, and floods.
- Urban creeks that provide an entry to nature for many, especially children.
Wild DFW includes a field guide detailing over 120 species of interesting animals, insects, and plants, with fascinating facts and tidbits for regaling your friends. These flora and fauna populate the astounding adventures section covering 25 of North Texas’s finest nature parks and preserves. Read about the author’s hikes through these spaces, led by volunteers and managers who know the land the best and share their inspiring stories. Gain insight into North Texas as never before while enjoying practical tips and complete information for exploring these outdoor treasures.
Media Coverage
The perfect regional field guide, Wild DFW highlights the 25 best wilderness spots to explore in North Texas.”—D Magazine
“More than a book about landscape, Wild DFW showcases a community of people devoted to preserving nature.” —Natural Awakenings
“North Texas’ natural landscape and ecological makeup are being brought to light in Wild DFW.” —Lake Highlands Advocate
“Finding and embracing the natural elements in a city like Dallas can be foreboding, but Amy Martin…is aiming to change that.”—Dallas Observer
Most recent:
Kinute: Book Talk: ‘Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature Around Dallas-Fort Worth’ with Amy Martin
Rockwall Blue Ribbon News: Rockwall’s Barnes & Noble opening to include book signing by author of Wild DFW
Rockwall Herald Banner: Author of ‘Wild DFW’ slated for grand opening of Barnes & Noble
Rockwall Times: Barnes & Noble Rockwall Grand Opening to Feature Author of Wild DFW and Local Nature Stewards
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Advocate: Lakewood/East Dallas: Unpacking the geological components of our lake
Advocate: Lakewood/East Dallas: Local author to make presentation on the Trinity River at Wild Birds Unlimited in East Dallas
Advocate: Lakewood/East Dallas: East Dallas resident to publish DFW adventure and ecology guide
Advocate: Oak Cliff: Whose Books hosting ‘Wild DFW’ author talk about North Texas outdoors Oak Cliff nature
CBS Texas news: Fall foliage at its peak in Texas, enjoy it
Cross Timbers Gazette: Author to present ‘Wild DFW: 20 Top Surprises of North Texas Nature’ in Flower Mound
D Magazine: 5 Adventures Into the Dallas Wilderness
Dallas Doing Good: Q&A with Amy Martin: The eco-do-gooders of Wild DFW
Dallas Express: Dallas resident pushes for more trails
Dallas Morning News: Allen library to host author talk and documentary screening on Trinity River
Dallas Observer: Wild DFW: Ned Fritz Day Walk at Ned & Genie Fritz Texas Buckeye Trail (scroll to Oct. 8)
Dallas Observer: 10 Awesome Upcoming Events For Book Lovers
Denton Record-Chronicle: Book Talk: Something for everyone in this batch of delightful books for gift-giving
Denton Record-Chronicle & KERA: Can Denton County become a nature tourism hot spot? Some think so
Edible Dallas: Natural Wonders
Fort Worth Magazine: Experience the Wild Side of Dallas-Fort Worth | #FortWorthReads
Fort Worth Report: Monkey & Dog Books to host book signing July 19 with author of Wild DFW
Fort Worth Star-Telegram: Independence and community: How the Fort Worth Prairie reflects the city
Fox4 GoodDay: Good Day crew visits Great Trinity Forest
Garland Texan: Amy Martin book features Spring Creek Preserve
GreenSourceDFW: ‘Wild DFW’ events to kick off starting next month
GreenSourceDFW: Buy ‘Wild DFW’ on local site to benefit Green Source DFW
KERA news: Wild about DFW: North Texas nature guide tells us what to see and why it’s here
Lake Highlands Advocate: East Dallas resident to publish DFW adventure and ecology guide
Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate: Unpacking the geological components of our lake
Lakewood/East Dallas Advocate: Local author to make presentation on the Trinity River at Wild Birds Unlimited in East Dallas
Lewisville Leader: This author is an advocate for natural spaces in the North Texas area
Lewisville Leader: Nature author launches book on DFW wildlife, urges tourism
Local Profile: Wild DFW excerpt: Shores of an Ancient Ocean (scroll to page 76)
Natural Awakenings: North Texas Nature Up Close
Oak Cliff Advocate: Whose Books hosting ‘Wild DFW’ author talk about N TX outdoors, Oak Cliff nature
Shoutout Dallas: Meet Amy Martin | author & journalist, community rabblerouser, nature nut
Southlake Style: Southlake Featured In DFW Nature Book
Waxahachie 360: Dallas nature author Amy Martin will show you how to become a writer
Networking Coverage
Allen Public Library: Allen library to host author talk and documentary screening on Trinity River
Blackland Prairie Texas Master Naturalists: Author praises our Blackland Prairie Chapter Contribution
Botanical Research Institute of Texas: October Lunchtime Lecture: Wild DFW
Cross Timbers Texas Master Naturalists: Amy Martin to speak in September (page 7)
Denton County Master Gardeners: Wild DFW and the North Texas Ecotone
First Unitarian of Dallas: short video review of book talk
Native Prairies Association of Texas: Our Prairie People–Amy Martin
North Texas Trails: Wild DFW Book Review
Trinity Forks Native Plant Society: “Wild DFW and the North Texas Ecotone” in September
TBG Partners: Wild DFW featuring Mikel Wilkins
Videos of Talks (and a few assorted videos)
Allen Public Library: How the Trinity River Escaped its Fate as a Barge Canal
Botanical Research Institute of Texas: A Deep Dive into the North Texas Ecotone & its Natural Wonders
Botanical Research Institute of Texas Book Club: Writer’s Process to Create a Nature Book
First Unitarian Church of Dallas, promotional video
Fort Worth Public Library Author Series: Never See North Texas Nature the Same Way Again
Friends of LLELA’s Denton County: North Texas Nature Hotspot (nature tourism panel)
Friendship Force Dallas: Never See North Texas Nature the Same Way Again
Native Plant Society of Texas, Collin County Chapter: Wild DFW: A Deep Dive into North Texas Ecotone & its Natural Wonders
Native Plant Society of Texas, Dallas County chapter: Never See North Texas Nature the Same Way Again
Native Plant Society of Texas, North Central Chapter: Never See North Texas Nature the Same Way Again
Texas Master Naturalists, Blackland Prairie chapter: A Deep Dive into the North Texas Ecotone & its Natural Wonders
Texas Master Naturalists, Cross Timbers chapter: Never See North Texas Nature the Same Way Again
Texas Master Naturalists, North Texas chapter, and Dallas Public Library Present: The Nature of the Moon
The Trashy Texan: mini book review