Samuell Farm Earns First Texas Leave No Trace Gold Standard Honor
Mesquite’s Samuell Farm has made history by becoming the first site in Texas to receive the coveted Leave No Trace Gold Standard designation. This significant achievement recognizes the 400-acre park’s exceptional commitment to outdoor conservation and sustainable recreation practices, placing it among the nation’s most respected natural spaces and offering a beacon for environmental stewardship in our community.
A National Standard for a Local Treasure
Awarded on October 10 by the global Leave No Trace organization, the Gold Standard designation is a prestigious honor reserved for sites demonstrating exemplary leadership in outdoor ethics. Samuell Farm now stands alongside renowned national parks like Shenandoah, Acadia, and Olympic, highlighting Dallas’s proactive dedication to preserving its natural environment for both current residents and future generations.
Dana Watts, Executive Director of Leave No Trace, lauded the farm’s steadfast efforts. She noted that “Samuell Farm’s staff and volunteers’ hard work and dedication to protecting natural spaces mean they are a leading force in the Leave No Trace movement and an example of how to implement education effectively.” This recognition follows the park’s participation in the Leave No Trace Spotlight program in 2023, an initiative designed to elevate conservation practices.
What This Means for Samuell Farm and Our Community
Samuell Farm, meticulously operated by the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, presents a unique confluence of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance. Its sprawling 400 acres feature extensive trails perfect for hiking, tranquil ponds ideal for fishing, diverse natural habitats, and beautifully preserved historical buildings that tell the story of its past as a working farm. Crucially, it hosts Dallas’s acclaimed Outdoor Adventures program, which delivers comprehensive camping experiences, diverse recreational activities, and vital conservation education tailored for all ages.
John D. Jenkins, Director of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, underscored the profound pride associated with this achievement, particularly its statewide impact. “We are especially proud that Samuell Farm has earned the distinction of being the first Gold Standard Site in Texas. By actively practicing and widely sharing the principles of Leave No Trace, we are not just maintaining but truly safeguarding this special place for generations to come, fostering a deeper connection to nature within our urban landscape.”
Rigorous Path to Excellence in Conservation
Achieving Gold Standard status is not a simple task; it demands adherence to rigorous criteria. Parks must formally train all relevant staff in Leave No Trace principles and outdoor ethics. Furthermore, they are required to successfully integrate these sustainable practices into their daily management operations and all programmatic offerings. This includes demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the long-term preservation of their managed areas. Samuell Farm’s distinction serves as a powerful testament to its leadership in these critical environmental stewardship areas, establishing a compelling benchmark for other natural spaces across Texas to aspire to.
Samuell Farm: Now Among the Nation’s Best
The Gold Standard sites represent the pinnacle of sustainable land management and effective visitor education. Here’s a brief look at how Samuell Farm now stands proudly alongside some of its newly recognized peers, showcasing varied approaches to protecting our natural world:
| Site Name | Location | Primary Recreational Focus | Key LNT Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samuell Farm | Mesquite, Texas | Family recreation, educational programs, historical exploration | First Gold Standard in Texas; strong community education and engagement |
| Shenandoah National Park | Virginia | Mountain hiking, scenic drives, wildlife viewing | Extensive backcountry ethics education; minimizing impact on wilderness trails |
| Acadia National Park | Maine | Coastal exploration, carriage roads, hiking | Protecting sensitive coastal and forest ecosystems; visitor responsibility campaigns |
| Olympic National Park | Washington | Diverse ecosystems (rainforest, coast, mountains), wilderness backpacking | Comprehensive wilderness preservation strategies; fostering multi-habitat stewardship |
Frequently Asked Questions About Samuell Farm’s Honor
- What is the Leave No Trace Gold Standard?
It is the highest recognition from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, awarded to parks and protected areas that excel in implementing and actively teaching ethical, sustainable outdoor recreation practices. - Where is Samuell Farm located?
Samuell Farm is a sprawling 400-acre public park found at 100 E. Highway 80 in Mesquite, Texas, conveniently managed by the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. - What kinds of activities can visitors enjoy at Samuell Farm?
The park offers a wide array of activities, including exploring nature trails, fishing in its ponds, learning about local history through preserved buildings, and participating in the renowned Outdoor Adventures program for camping and conservation education. - How does this designation benefit the broader Texas community?
As the first site in Texas to receive this distinguished honor, Samuell Farm serves as an invaluable model and inspiration for other parks and natural areas across the state, encouraging widespread adoption of sustainable outdoor recreation and robust conservation efforts.
Samuell Farm’s achievement of the Leave No Trace Gold Standard is a monumental stride for North Texas, underscoring the vital importance of protecting and appreciating our cherished local natural resources. We strongly encourage everyone to visit this exceptional local gem, immerse yourselves in its diverse offerings, and actively embrace the Leave No Trace principles to personally contribute to safeguarding its beauty and ecological integrity for countless generations to come.
Samuell Farm First Texas Leave No Trace Gold Site
