Mockingbird Nature Park – Midlothian’s Hidden Gem

Mockingbird Nature Park – Midlothian’s Hidden Gem

Mockingbird Nature Park in Midlothian is a hidden gem.  The park is located at Mockingbird and Onward .

It was donated to the City of Midlothian by the Holcium Corp. in 2008. It consists of 68 acres of prairie and riparian environments. There is a small, man made seasonal lake in the park. In the past two years it has gone from empty to full to almost empty again but that is the nature of our North Texas environment. There is also a  small seasonal creek in the wooded area. It is full or dry depending on the weather. The Holcium Corp. is looking to make improvements in both of these water features as part of their centennial celebration.

The Indian Trail Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program was established in 2010.  Our chapter’s area of responsibility is  Ellis and Navarro counties. We are part sponsored by The Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife. Our mission is to preserve and protect our native Texas environment. We also educate the public to preserve and protect the environment for present and future generations.

Mocking bird Park was chosen by our members to be one of our primary projects. One of the first things we did was start a wildflower and butterfly garden near the front entrance. The garden attracts large numbers of Monarch, Queen, and other butterflies in the spring and fall.  There may be 50 to 100 butterflies around the garden at any one time.

The Cedar Hill Boy Scouts are building a bird blind at  quarter mile mark on the trail.  When finished we are going to install a bird bath in front of it to attract more birds. When finished you will be able to view and identify many song birds from the bird blind. The Boy Scouts have also installed mileage markers and other signage on the trails. The Boy Scouts are a very important partner at the park.

The local Girl Scouts built and installed Blue Bird houses in the Park.  Many of the houses now have Blue Birds nesting in them. When you are out on the trails there is a good chance you will see the little bright blue guys. The Girl Scouts are also one of our very important partners at the Park.

The Master Naturalists have built numerous benches about the park.

The Master Naturalists have had several nature hikes at the park. This spring we had a great wildflower walk with Dana Wilson from the Audubon Society. The spring wild flowers were spectacular. I hope you got to see them. At Halloween we had several night hikes featuring the critters of the night. Owls, Bats, Coyotes are night prowlers. A good time was had by all.

The City of Midlothian has allowed us to be partners with them in this wonderful little park. They have kept the trails mowed and accommodated us  in so many ways. This park is an excellent example of Business, Government and volunteers working together.

We urge you to come out and see your hidden gem. Walk the trails, observe the wildlife, view the wildflowers, this is your park.