Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature In and Around Dallas–Fort Worth

by Amy Martin, Amy "Moonlady" Martin

Discover the nature of North Texas from ancient times to the present in Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature Around Dallas-Fort Worth, the latest book from naturalist and journalist Amy Martin. Over 350 color photos and 40 detailed maps are woven in this gorgeously laid out with condensed insight into the area’s natural history, ecology, and geography… a field guide to over 100 species of flora and fauna… and 25 eye-opening hiking adventures through rare prairies, diverse bottomland forests, limestone escarpments, Eastern Cross Timbers, wetlands, and more, prosaically brought to life.

Genres: Nature, Travel

372 pages, Paperback

First published July 11, 2023

Reviews

[Brooke Steward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone in DFW should own this book! Most people think of north Texas as hot, dry, and plain but this book shows it is anything but that. I’ve lived in north Texas almost my entire life and still didn’t know so much of this info about our environment. Plus, it gave new context to the things I did know. The book is beautiful with stunning pictures and concise information. It’s broken into three sections: 1)the ecology of DFW, 2) prominent species of plants and animals and 3) 25 different nature sites in the metroplex and what to expect there. Highly recommend!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a lovely basic overview of DFW’s ecology. I like how focused it is—it covers a lot of different aspects of nature, but it is all about a pretty small geographic area, which allows it a great degree of specificity. As a resident of DFW myself, I was delighted to find this in the library. It’s the local nature guide I didn’t know I wanted.

The book begins with a series of brief descriptions of terrain, weather, and the Trinity River before moving on to specifics about animals and plants. It finishes off a selection of local nature preserves and education centers where all that explained nature can be observed up close. I wrote down a few new places I’d like to explore on weekends, that’s for sure.

The book is mostly friendly to newcomers. It uses a lot of terminology that urbanites might not be familiar with (riparian, escarpment, crepuscular) and doesn’t define much, but it’s easy enough to understand after looking a few words up. The language and organization are very approachable, and the content is explained clearly but not dumbed down. The intersections of wildlife, plant life, weather, water management, soil types, human intervention, and other factors are discussed often, with additional resources mentioned any time the book has to move on from presenting additional details.

Wild DFW makes a good introduction for anyone who wants to get a little more into nature, whether that means hiking, gardening, conservation, or bird watching. A quick read and a good place to start looking for more specialized resources.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

** I received an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is scheduled to be published on August 29, 2023 in the US. **

I want to preface this review with saying that I am from and currently reside in the DFW area, so this review reflects that.

I really enjoyed this book! I would highly recommend that (especially) residents of the DFW area read it and see what you have been missing out on if you love nature. I found tons of places I haven’t stumbled upon in my own wanderings. Everything was listed out with details on parking/available restrooms, what to expect, plant life, beautiful hand drawn pictures, as well as photos). I am really excited to go to some of these places myself and see if I can feel the same level of love and wonder that the author projects in her writings about them. There are suggested adventures you can do by car, foot, or watercraft. I especially liked all the information provided about the various communities and locations where you could learn in depth about specific ecosystems. The only minor complaint I can possibly dredge up is the overuse of the word ‘riparian’. In some of the earlier pages it's used SO many times in the same paragraph/page, and while it is correct, it just stands out.

[Tracey Fandre]

I'm one of the photographers who contributed to this book and I was so excited to get a peek at it before it hits the stores. It is lovely and so detailed. My personal favorite part are all of the wonderful places listed that are good wildlife areas. I've been to many of them and the information provided was very good. I'm actually looking forward to going to the places I haven't been.

The section on species was great. I think this would be a fabulous book for anyone living in, moving to or planning to visit the DFW area of Texas.

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. I already know quite a bit about DFW nature, but there was more to learn. We’ve camped at every DFW State Park and have visited many of the places listed in the book, but there are some new places that we definitely need to visit and some old ones we should revisit in another season. It will definitely be buying this book for our home library. If you are looking to learn more about the nature in DFW and places you can visit to observe nature, then this is the book for you.

Thank you NetGalley and Timber Press for the opportunity to review this book.

[Kristina Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Cindy Dyson Eitelman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really a book to read, but an excellent reference to all the places where you can go and see some cool nature. I read it all the way through, but only because it was a library book I had to give back. I may buy a copy for future reference.

One section describes a small selection of the flora and fauna found in the area--that part was way too skimpy for me to enjoy. But all the places to go and what to see--spot on. Can't wait to get out and start exploring.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so, so much. Any book that helps promote the amazing nature around North Texas gets an automatic love from me, but this was well researched, colorful, and hopefully brings in new appreciation. The familiar names, the familiar locations... speaking as a creek kid who has always thought the diversity and nature of DFW is underappreciated, everything about this guide is perfect.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe exposure to nature and the natural world is so important for mental health and well being, and such an important development tool in the kit of how to raise a self sufficient and curious child. The author is an urban wildlife biologist, and takes a close look at the DFW area in terms of wildlife, both flora and fauna. I read this book as an ARC, but I will be purchasing it as I found the information so interesting, and I want to have a copy on hand as a reference.

The book first looks at how our area was geographically formed. Fort Worth and Dallas not only have very different characters, but they actually lie on two different and distinct land formations. There is some detailed history, then there are lovely photos showing all the animals that can be found in our area, and natirve plants that can flourish here. The author encourages using native plants, both to help our wildlife community, but also for ecological purposes. I already have a pollinator garden, but I will try to improve the amount of native plants in it.

Near the end of the book are nature areas that can be found in DFW, and a guide for what plants and wildlife you might see there.

I consider this to be a must have book for anyone in DFW who wants to know more about the environment that surrounds us, and anyone who wants to get closer to nature. There were areas highlighted that I knew nothing about, and I've lived in Fort Worth my whole life!

[Ashton Tassin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Martin’s book is a watershed event for turning the attention of North Texas dwellers locally to notice the overlooked natural beauty and hidden ecological treasures that are right in their neighborhoods. Her wonderfully evocative language of local forests, prairies, and creeks has a palpable sense of place along with the anecdotes of land stewards, naturalists, and educators she interacts with along the way. Throughout this work, one gets a sense that it’s informed by a land ethic shaped by what Wendell Berry calls ‘affection for land and place.’ I loved how it was organized into 3 main sections, natural history, creatures to know, and adventures. I will be following her adventure prompts for years to come, starting with the Geologic road trip through time (p 43). I grew up a “creek kid” with a creek in my backyard in Louisiana, but have come to call North Texas home. “Every child should have a creek. It inspires future careers in biology, hydrology, botany, eco-journalism, and more, bonding them to the earth and their community, fostering a sense of responsibility for the future (p77).” Indeed it has. This book is chock full of beautiful photos from local photographers, helpful info to increase ecologic literacy and participate in citizen science, and I appreciated the nudges to advocacy. “Today’s environmental front line is not the wilderness of John Muir and Aldo Leopold. It’s the urban ecosystem where the millions of people who can impact change reside (p82).” Fantastic labor of love, highly recommended!

[Heather Waldron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t say enough good things about this book. I moved to Texas about 12 years ago as an adult. Maybe it’s because I didn’t grow up here, but I have often complained about the lack of nature. I got this book from the library and I got schooled!!!

I love everything about this book! The cover art, the organization, the wonderful photographs, and the cute little drawings are all perfect! My favorite section was called the adventures. Here she gives you a detailed write up of about 25 nature adventures you can explore in DFW. The adventures are organized by their geographical locations. I had to return the book to the library, but I made a document of all the adventures and a quick description. I have already done three and I loved them!! I may or may not do them all, but already just having three new places to go in nature is such a win!

Amy Martin did an amazing job with explaining and mapping out the nature of DFW. This book is a gem and would make a great gift to any nature lover in North Texas!

[Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild DFW is an informative look at the nature in and around a four county block of North Texas known as DFW. As a resident of north Fort Worth myself, I feel like I know a good amount about the area, but nothing comes close to the knowledge packed into this book. There are so many pictures and facts to accompany each species and location.

My favorite part is the Adventures section. There are 25 locations mapped out with all the details to help you explore each place. Info includes: address, length of the nature trail and it's difficulty, cost, parking situation, and info unique to each locale.

This book is perfect for anyone wanting to explore the area and I cannot wait to pick a place or two to check out this summer!

Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for an ARC of this informative book. 4 stars.

[Caterina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dallas Fort-Worth nature lovers and outdoorsy types: this gorgeously printed and illustrated, photography-larded, poetically written, information-packed book is for you. (It would make a great gift book.) I learned something new and astonishing on literally every page. Despite living in the area since 2006 (and having a husband from here) I've only visited a few of these wondrous and varied natural areas. Shortly after the book was published I had the pleasure of meeting the author at a book-signing talk, then joining her and a group of her naturalist friends on a guided prairie walk during a partial solar eclipse. I wasn't yet in the Texas Master Naturalist certification program - but am now. I read it cover to cover, a few pages a day, but it's also a book you can browse randomly.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this look into wildlife of the Dallas- Fort Worth area. As I am a resident of this area this is really helpful guide. My family and I will be using this for ideas of more wildlife areas to visit.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to explore the nature in and around the Dallas-Fort Worth area, this is a wonderful resource. There is more here than one would imagine. I particularly like the sections on the geology and hiking trails best.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild DFW is a great reference to get to know a bit about the natural history and geology, and native biology of the area. The last third of the book presents 25 of what the author calls, "Adventures," which are parks and wilderness areas to hike, birdwatch, bike or ride horses.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on hidden gems in DFW as well as a brief history of the land. It’s complete with plants and animals you’ll find on your journey. Excited to do some exploring after reading this helpful book!

[Sally Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting but a great reference guide.

[Connie Koval · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you live in the DFW Metroplex? Plan to visit? Want to stroll, hike, revel in nature, nature journal, listen to bird song, frogs, see what insects, mammals, etc. co-exist? Get this book!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this book is organized and all information about each adventure.

[Jennifer Hazen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild DFW is an awesome guide to nature in DFW. It covers the history of the land and the different ecosystems found across the Metroplex. My favorite feature is the Trinity River section that lists kayak/canoe trails.

[V · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guidebook is by an author I was not familiar with. She has an impressive amount of experience and involvement with the DWF area described. Yes, I did some online snooping to see if she actually lived in or around and actually knew DFW. The counties included Denton and Collin which puzzled me. The DFW region has certainly changed over the years, now including counties which used to be rural farmland.
My youth was spent north of Denton on a large farm/ranch with a creek and copperheads, so especially appreciated the section on creeks, brought back many priceless memories. Wish I still had all those fossils I found. Having lived within driving distance of DFW for over sixty years I found this book one of the most unique and useful of it’s kind. The lakes and rivers of the adventures are integral to the regions described.
The content is well laid out in easy to read comprehensive sections. It doesn’t have to be read in order, easy to navigate to specific sections or locations you’d want to explore. The guides, pictures and drawings are lovely and useful. The birds who live and migrate in to our state are well represented in the narrative. A diverse selection of native Texas plant species are pictured and depicted, along with predators, reptiles etc. Pertinent information about invasive nonnative plants and their effect on our ecology is especially fascinating.
Most of the adventure areas suggested were familiar but there is a wealth of information included that was new and fresh to me. Wish I’d had access to this type of guide back when dragging the kids around Texas. It’s the type of reference guide you will continue to use and refer to. It’s not overwrought with technical lingo, just relatable terms. It could be used repeatedly for many adventures. I would recommend purchasing and reading it to both native Texas and new transplants.
My gratitude to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of “Wild DFW” by Amy Martin, published by Timber Press. Expected publication date is August 29, 2023. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without compensation.