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Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA)

November 17, 2011 by Leave a Comment
LLELA Website 
(972) 219-3930
The Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area is 2,000-acres of prairies, forests, and wetlands managed as a wildlife preserve by a group of agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the University of North Texas, the City of Lewisville, Lewisville ISD, and Texas A & M University.  Their mission is to preserve and restore our native ecosystems and to provide and promote environmental education and scientific research.
LLELA is open to the public every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for fishing, hiking, camping, bird watching, kayaking/canoeing, picnicking, and other outdoor activities.

Hours of Operation
Winter Hours (Nov. 1 – Mar. 1)
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Summer Hours (Mar. 2 – Oct. 31)
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Entrance Fees:

$5.00 per person
Children 5 and under free.

Annual Passes
  • $30.00 Individual
  • $60.00 Family

Not affiliated with any state park

Visitors to LLELA Can Enjoy:

  • Hiking on one of our three trails.
  • Camping and fishing along the beautiful Elm Fork of the Trinity River.
  • Exciting birding opportunities, including both migratory and resident species.
  • Canoeing or kayaking on the Elm Fork. (BYOC/K — no equipment available on site except on pre-arranged river tours)
  • Picnicking in our large pavilion area.
  • Visiting the 1870 Minor-Porter Log Home
  • Weekend activities (see calendar for details).

Wildlife Preserve Regulations:

  • Camping in designated areas only.
  • Firewood available in designated areas only. Fires may only be built in provided fire rings at campsites.
  • Campground quiet hours are between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
  • All vehicles and equipment are permitted only on designated paved surfaces.
  • Trails are for hiking only — no bicycles, horses, or motor vehicles of any kind.
  • No pets permitted, except those assisting the handicapped.
  • No alcohol or firearms.
  • Portable toilets are located near the parking areas.
  • No littering — if you pack it in, pack it out.
  • Fishing nets are not allowed at LLELA (not even for bait).
  • A fishing license is required to fish.
  • Please bring a fishing pole if you plan to fish. Use of a soda can or bottle instead of a pole is prohibited.

Directions to LLELA

 
From I‐35E, exit on Valley Ridge (about one mile north of Business‐121). Go east to the stoplight at Mill Street. Turn north (left) on Mill Street and drive to Jones Street. Turn east (right) on Jones Street and proceed until Jones Street dead‐ends at the LLELA front gate, at the junction of Jones Street and N. Kealy Avenue.For Mapquest directions, LLELA’s front gate address is 201 E. Jones Street. 
Camping at LLELA
Primitive Camping:

  • Friday and Saturday nights.
  • Check-in no later than one hour before closing.
  • Check-out time is by 1:00 p.m. on Saturday and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
  • Cost: day-use fees plus $10.00 per campsite per night.
  • Potable water is available in several locations in the campground.
Group Camping: available for Scouts and other community groups. Call 972-219-3930 for rates and information.

Monthly Programs at LLELA

Please call to pre-register:
(972) 219-7980
Homestead Open House:
3rd Saturday of each month
12:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area is home to several historic structures, most notably the Minor-Porter Log House, which dates to about 1869. Completely restored and furnished with all the trappings of everyday frontier life, the log house gives LLELA visitors a window on early Denton County history. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors through the structures and answer questions in this informal tour. Visitors are welcome to arrive at any time during the open hours and tour at their own pace. There is no additional fee for this activity beyond regular admission to LLELA ($5/person; children age 5 years and under free).

 

Bison Tour:
Cancelled until otherwise noted: The herd is moving to a private property in Oklahoma. This will allow our range to recover from grazing pressure and the stress of last year’s drought (and the drought forecast for this next season as well).
Last Sunday of each month
2:00 p.m.
Once each month, visitors are invited to roam over to LLELA’s bison area for a guided tour. Participants will meet herd owner Robert Vaughan at the gatehouse, then drive out for an opportunity to see the bison up close (great photo opportunity!) and learn more about bison natural history and husbandry. All ages are welcome; registration is required at 972-219-7980. The tour is available for only $2/person in addition to LLELA’s regular gate fee of $5/person. The bison are normally off view in a secure area of LLELA, so this is a chance to visit a part of the preserve most people don’t get to see.
 

 

Kayaking:
3rd Saturday of each month
Whether you’ve got lots of river time under your belt or have never set foot in a kayak, you’re welcome here! Kayak Power will provide equipment and instruction followed by a six-mile trip down the Elm Fork to a shuttle vehicle. Contact info@kayakpower.com or 214-669-1663 for information. Reservation required.

 

Monthly Bird Walks:
Contact 972-219-3930 for dates

Over 270 species of birds have been recorded in the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area’s forests, prairies, and marshes. Bird watchers of all skill levels are welcome to join our master birders as they guide visitors to birding locations at LLELA. Some of the best spots are not normally available to the public, outside of a scheduled tour. Ages 10 and up. There is a $2 program fee for the bird walk, in addition to the regular gate fee ($5/person). Reservations are required; call 972-219-7980.


 

Filed Under: Cities, Lewisville, Recreation Centers, Sports Rec and Aquatics

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