LBJ National Grasslands
The LBJ National Grasslands is the only urban, national grasslands in the country – easily accessible to both Dallas and Ft. Worth surrounds (outside of Decatur – Wise county seat - and just 25 miles NW of Ft. Worth). It comprises 22,000-acres rich with vegetation, wildlife, varied terrain, and lakes providing vast recreational opportunities for hikers, bikers, campers, hunters, fishermen, birdwatchers, botanists, and horse-back riders. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which has limited funds for maintenance and development, in spite of the ever-increasing demands.

Friends of the Grasslands
This non-profit group (501C3 organization) was formed 4 years ago to raise money for projects exclusively within the LBJ National Grasslands and in co-operation with the U.S. Forest Service. The Board of Directors is comprised of a small group of individuals representing diverse recreational disciplines – trail riding, mountain biking, dog trials, running, orienteering, driving (horse driving), etc.

Long-range planning with the Forest Service includes: expanded use and improvements at a former FS worksite area bordering new “silver” trail, expanded “environmental” parking areas at key camping sites, additional amenities (like bathrooms, boat docks, and Pavilion), development of color-coded trail map for all users available from Forest Service, and a recreational trail around Black Creek Lake. The intent is to better support a variety of users and to improve distribution of park resources.

All efforts and projects are completed by many volunteer hours and no one is paid compensation; therefore, there is no overhead for equipment, staff, buildings, etc. - so that monies collected are optimized for designated projects. We are a fiscally conservative group and attempt to optimize dollars by tapping into appropriate federal grants, volunteer labor drives, and donated materials/equipment whenever possible

Grasslands Benefit Ride
The 3rd Annual Benefit Ride is scheduled for Saturday, September 27 – a fall venue this year in hopes of avoiding spring storms and many competing equine events. The Benefit Ride is a growing event each year both in attendance and monies raised. Last year over $6,000 was raised and the final rider-count was 127. Ride 2003 is expected to garner 150 participants.

This event is unique from other organized rides in that, with the availability of several different trail systems, rides can be arranged by speed and distance so that riders can select a ride that is right for themselves and their horse. An example of rides offered includes a fast- endurance ride, gaited-horse ride, short ride, off-trail ride, and obstacle ride. A cook out with burgers and dogs and home-made sides follows accompanied by an address by the Forest Service Ranger, a few rider prizes and a little guitar-playing “on the side”. And there’s always enough daylight to squeeze in another ride.

Even though the ride is focused on equines, the donations from riders result in park enhancements that benefit many recreation lists. Local and equine oriented businesses contribute money and rider prizes that offset operating costs; thereby all rider donations are fully tax deductible. Maintenance of the trails easily runs $7K per year and with the addition of new trails, demand and expense will continue to rise as does the need for expanded parking areas. Projects supported in the past include, financial assistance towards a matching grant for new trail development, safety horse-crossing signs at trail/road crossings, trail map development and production, gate signs produced and installed identifying each gate pass through.

Regular and frequent users of the park include local and metroplex riders as well as those from north central and east Texas. However, occasional users drive from Oklahoma, Central TX, San Antonio, Houston, and Austin areas. Because there is a donation to participate in this ride, the constituency is devoted to “supporting their sport” and preserving a favorite site in Texas.

We appreciate your interest and consideration! Contact Pam Roberts at 940.627.4281.