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Explore the Environment
Oliver Nature Park sits at the intersection of two eco-regions - the eastern Cross Timbers and northern Blackland Prairies, each with its own unique inhabitants. Wildflowers fill the prairies in the spring, and yet the wooded areas stay cool enough for moss to thrive even in the hot Texas summer. The crushed granite trails are perfect for visitors of all ages. Each season and each day bring new surprises and exciting discoveries to be found at Oliver Nature Park.
Treehouse Overlook
Travel inside the forest canopy via the treehouse for a unique view of Oliver Nature Park including Walnut Creek babbling below, squirrel and bird habitats and seasonal foliage.
Rocky Ford
Oliver Nature Park’s Rocky Ford Overlook showcases the Eagle Ford Shale and the Woodbine Sandstone, two major geologic formations estimated at nearly 100 million years old.
Wildflower Meadow
The wildflower meadow blooms with a variety of native seasonal flowers. In spring, look for Indian paintbrushes, primrose and buttercups in addition to the thick blankets of bluebonnets. Tall grasses fill the fields in fall until seeds go dormant in winter months.
Pond Life
Two large ponds at Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park are great for fishing (license required for 16Y+) or observing wildlife including frogs, turtles, dragonflies, minnows and blue herons.
Bird Blinds
Unique bird blinds are positioned along a heavily wooded trail and create an incredible opportunity to observe birds and other forest life undetected. Visitors may stay still and enjoy the show for hours.
Natural Trails
Explore Oliver Nature Park via the natural crushed granite trails, great for leisurely walks or exercise. See the map for distance estimates. Remember no bikes, scooters or golf carts are allowed on trails, and please be respectful of fellow visitors and native wildlife.
iNaturalist
Citizen Scientists are very important to our park. Not sure what a Citizen Scientist is? Check out inaturalist.org for more information, and check out the iNaturalist project we’ve started. When you’re out at the park, remember to bring a camera or a smart phone to help add to this project!
Oliver Nature Park GooseChase Hike
Want to learn more about Oliver Nature Park while having fun exploring? Oliver Nature Park Scavenger Hunt Hike via the GooseChase phone app is perfect for a family adventure. Don't forget to bring your fully charged device to complete the game. There is no time limit on the game, so you can use it on several visits. You can purchase one game per family. There are a variety of prize packs to choose from. 1 prize per registered person. If you would like more than one prize, please sign up additional family members. Learn more here.
QR Codes
Throughout Oliver Nature Park you'll find QR codes that you can scan with a QR Code Reader on a smartphone to learn more about the park. These QR codes are found on the signs and other points of interest throughout the park.
Guests can learn about geology, wildflowers, pond life, history of the park, and more though the QR codes.