Texas Buckeye Trail Walks for 2025 on the Ned and Genie Fritz Texas Buckeye Trail in the Great Trinity Forest – note changed dates in late March/April
Be a part of the tradition that has continued almost annually since Ned Fritz started them in the 1980s — the Texas Buckeye Walks!
Take a spring amble on the newly restored Ned and Genie Fritz Texas Buckeye Trail. A highlight of early spring is the blooming season for Texas buckeyes (Aesculus glabra var. arguta) with their conical clusters of fragrant yellow-ivory flowers.
These hikes will fill, so reserve soon here. Be sure to sign up so that you can be notified of changes due to weather! If it’s raining or the trail is too muddy, we will cancel or reschedule.
The Walks
Gather at 7000 Bexar St. Dallas Texas 75215, across from Bonton Farms. If the cul-de-sac is full, park along Bexar St. or at the Buckeye Trail Commons Early Head Start facility two blocks up Bexar. Arrive at 9:45 am or 1:45 pm (15 minutes before start time). Look for the picnic pavilion. Give yourself extra time for parking. Come early and get provisions from the Bonton Farms Coffee House.
- March 15 Sat: 10 am to noon — leader: Richard Grayson – Gain crucial insight into the Trinity River and its plight.
- March 16 Sun: 2 to 4 pm — leaders: Shelby Smith and Caleb Hinojos of North Texas Master Naturalists – Find the joy in the forest.
- March 22 Sat: 9 am to noon — No trail restoration day; many team members at NTMN Big Chapter Project.
- March 23 Sun: 2 to 4 pm — leaders: Michael McKee with Eileen Fritz McKee and Kristi Kerr Leonard – tales of Fritz family nature excursions.
- March 29 Sat: 10 am to noon — leader: Bob Richie – Learn about edible and medicinal plants found in the Great Trinity Forest.
- NOTE NEW LEADER – March 30 Sun: 2 to 4 pm — leader: Amy Martin – The legacy of Ned Fritz and the Trinity River and Great Trinity Forest, plus 6th anniversary of her surviving a near-fatal broken neck on April 6.
- April dates: canceled due to early blooming of buckeyes.
Hike Tips
- The 2.25-mile roundtrip walk is often muddy. Bring a change of shoes for the ride home.
- A large towel can help prevent mud on pants from dirtying the car seats.
- Sturdy hiking boots or well-fitting galoshes are strongly recommended.
- Hiking sticks are very helpful. Bug spray is essential.
More Info
- Read the history of Ned’s efforts for the Texas buckeyes and founding of the annual walks.
- For more on Ned and Genie, check out Ned in a Nutshell.
- Join the trail restoration team here.
Social Media
- Follow trail restoration team activities via the Facebook page and Instagram.
- Follow Ned Fritz Legacy at Facebook and Instagram.
Credits
- In cooperation with North Texas Master Naturalists and Ned Fritz Legacy.
- Trail restoration support provided by Trinity Coalition.
