On Saturday, April 9th, community leaders and Boy Scouts from the North District gathered for the dedication of the John F. Burke Nature Preserve.  John, a long time volunteer of Boy Scouts and the North District, retired several year ago after spending over 25 years with the City of Farmers Branch.  He was the City Manager at retirement.  John and his wife moved to West Texas where they remain enjoying their grandchildren, new friends, and the outdoors.

The John F. Burke Nature Preserve was a vision of John during his tenure with the city.  A lot of hard work by the city and Boys Scouts of Troop 713 has made it possible to open this nature preserve.  There is a lot of work to be done and it will be the site of many future Eagle Projects.

Click on "more" to learn more about the nature preserve and see a video of the dedication and John's remarks

 

 

The 104-acre Nature Preserve is made possible through partnerships between the North Texas Tollway Authority, the Valwood Improvement Authority and the City of Farmers Branch. The preserve is bounded by Valley View Lane, the Elm Fork of the Trinity River, the President George Bush Tollway and Coks Branch. Made up of various eco systems from wetland to upland and a riparian corridor along the river, the preserve is also home to a variety of wildlife and birds including raptors and water fowl.

John Burke served as Director of Parks and Recreation for many years before promotion to Assistant City Manager and ultimately City Manager. John and his wife, Barbara, were residents of Farmers Branch for many years. Additionally, John was a longtime supporter and advocate for the Boy Scouts of America.

Phase I of the master plan for the John F. Burke Nature Preserve will establish the base line of current conditions and will be the foundation for further planning and construction phases of the preserve. The preserve will be dedicated with a parking area, trails over the southenr half of the area, benches, and interpretive signage. The Preserve is on the north side of Valley View between the President George Bush Tollway and the Trinity River. There will be special event signage on Valley View, west of I 35E, directing people to the parking area.

Link to video