Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Center

[dlanter]

Has anyone photographed here?

I'm itching to get out this weekend for some nature shots besides my backyard. This place is pretty close to home and I was thinking about being there when they open at 7 this Sunday. They have some nice pics on thier website, but was wondering if anyone has actually had any luck shooting there.

Thanks

[Patti]

So Dan,

Did you go there? If so, what is it like?

Thanks,

Patti

[dlanter]

Patti,
No I didn't make it out there. I hurt my knee Sat. and didn't think it was a good idea to try a long hike on Sun. I'm going to try again this weekend. If I find anything interesting I'll post it here.

[Dokk]

I'm a volunteer out there and get pretty much free access out there as part of that. Since my "real" job has me working most weekends, I'm usually out there during the week. If you'd like to go out there with me sometime, I'd be happy to have you along. You'd also get to see areas not open to the public. PM me if you're interested. Oh, bring the bug spray and be ready to walk too. Theres' about 2000 acres out there to explore.

[dlanter]

Cool, great offer Mike. Unfortunately, my job keeps my tied down during the week and could only make it out there on the weekends right now. I'm going to try again to go this Sunday, but maybe later if I can get any free time I might take you up on your offer.
Thanks

[Patti]

Mike,

What is available in the areas that the public can't access? I see that there is some sort of cabin, is that only open on certain days when you have a guide for example?

And, are the established trails dirt or pavement? I am also looking for a place to run trails in addition to doing some photography!

patti

[Dokk]

Patti,

The established trails in the public area are either crushed brick or packed dirt. The pioneer homestead is more than a cabin, Its' a full homestead with cabin, dugout, root cellar, smokehouse, and garden. As far as the non-public areas are concerned, What's not available? Wetland areas, restored prairie, mesquite savanah, woodlands. It's about 2000 acres out there total so theres' a lots of variety. There's also a pioneer cemetery, old junk (like a few old cars and leftover stuff), a bison herd (which is off limits without a guide for safety reasons), The Elm Fork of the Trinity river, several creeks. Wildlife includes water fowl like herons and egrets, beaver, coyote, bobcat, deer, wild turkey, vultures, opossum, skunk, squirrel, and in the fall and winter there are bald eagles that nest there. It's located on a major bird migration route so theres' always a ton of birds of all types out there. I've even seen Yellow Bellied Sap Suckers out there (yes, Virginia, there really is such a thing). There are trails to run with plenty of photo ops. We also just opened a kayak trail in one of the wetland areas if you're into that sort of thing and there is a camping area and a wilderness camping area being planned that would be acessible via a 6-8 mile backcountry trail.

Mike

[Jobeye]

I have been there quite a few times, there is a lot shoot, just have to take your time and look.