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Oliver Nature Park (ONP)
Explore the Environment

Explore the Environment

Welcome
Park Features
Interactive Activities

Welcome

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.

Park Features

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.

Interactive Activities

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.