Encircled by the West Meadowbrook neighborhood and I-30 in the heart of Fort Worth, Tandy Hills comprises 160 acres of indigenous prairie remnant. Noted for its unusually complete collection of prairie flora, Tandy Hills contains more than 500 native plant species.

The show of spring wildflowers is unsurpassed in the Metroplex. The land is a living example of how most of Fort Worth and the Great Plains appeared in predevelopment times. There are areas of the park that are completely cut off from any view of modern development, showing Fort Worth as it looked when the first settlers rode into town. Deep woods, open prairie and hilly terrain offer hiking opportunities, nature study and quiet solitude. Stands of native big bluestem grass are even older than the most mature oaks growing along the Trinity River.

The city of Fort Worth purchased the Tandy Hills parkland in 1960 for $138,250 to save it from drilling. It is managed by the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, and the nonprofit Friends of Tandy Hills Natural Area raises funds and volunteers to help protect this rare ecosystem.

Location: 3400 View St., Fort Worth. For more information, call 817-731-2787 or visit TandyHills.org.