Vivian J. Malone Preserve Visit

The Texas Land Conservancy (TLC) has owned a certain parcel of land for a long time, and the Conservancy is making much progress on preparing the land for more visitors.

From the TLC website:

About the Preserve 

Nestled just outside of Rio Vista, the 145-acre Malone Preserve is a testament to the beauty of North Texas. Acquired by TLC in 1995 through a generous gift from Vivian J. Malone, this hidden gem is poised to become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

With its woodlands, pocket prairies, riparian bottomlands, and a riverfront spanning 1,700 feet along the Nolan River, this preserve boasts not only breathtaking scenes but also provides vital homes for diverse native wildlife and plants.

While not yet open for unsupervised exploration, our dedicated staff and volunteers are diligently working to create an unforgettable experience for visitors. Trails are being carefully carved, native habitats restored, and plans are in motion to unveil a welcoming community preserve.

Scroll down to read more about our plans for the preserve.

County: Johnson
Hours of Operation: Open for special events only
Acres: 145
Trails: 3.4 miles
Year Protected: 1995
Prohibited Activities: Motorized vehicles, including dirt bikes and four-wheelers are never allowed at this preserve.
Location: County Road 1109B, Rio Vista, TX 76093

The Malone Preserve was a totally new area for me to explore. The preserve is situated in Rio Vista, Texas, only a few miles from downtown Cleburne. It’s about an 1-hour-and-25-minute drive from Dallas. This land is not the typical Blackland Prairie I usually encounter, but is part of the Crosstimbers ecoregion of Texas.

Following are some of the pics I took of the property. You can see each pic and comment if you double click on the first and scroll.

There is a nice map of the property on the TLC website!

I leave you with a short video and the sounds of the Nolan River.