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Call Us Today: 214-526-2800
Email: Info@turtlecreekassociation.org
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Spring has arrived in Turtle Creek — and with it, a burst of color that’s hard to miss. The azaleas, dogwoods, and redbuds are in full bloom, filling the boulevard and parks with vibrant energy well ahead of May. But just like any well-loved home or garden, the beauty of Turtle Creek doesn’t happen by accident — it takes a little spring cleaning.
Each year, the Turtle Creek Association rolls up its sleeves and, as you’ll see throughout this newsletter, tackles our own version of a spring cleanup list — a season of projects focused on clearing out, cleaning up, and making way for nature to thrive. This year’s list includes:
- Clearing fallen trees and debris from the Fairmount Street ravine
- Trimming invasive species and overgrowth
- Removing trash and litter from the creek and greenbelts
- Freshening up landscaping with new plantings
- Painting over graffiti and addressing vandalism
- Installing boulders and fencing under bridges to deter encampments
- Treating the area for invasive species like Chinese Privet
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And the results are already showing. One of the most rewarding signs of a healthy, cared-for environment is the return of wildlife — and this spring we’ve welcomed back the blue heron and kingfishers to the creek. Their graceful presence reminds us that when we care for nature, nature responds.
TCA’s work is made possible because of you — your membership, donations, and support allow us to keep Turtle Creek beautiful, safe, and accessible for all. So, as you take a spring stroll along the corridor, breathe in the fresh air, admire the blooms, and keep an eye out for the birds — know that your support helped make it possible.
Thank you for being part of our ongoing efforts to care for this incredible urban treasure. Here's to a season of fresh starts, natural beauty, and continued progress.
With gratitude,
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President|CEO
Turtle Creek Association
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TCA Debuts New Video Highlighting
Our Mission and Impact
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We’re excited to unveil TCA’s newest video, a powerful visual story that captures the heart of our mission—to preserve, protect, and enhance the beauty and vitality of Turtle Creek.
This short film takes viewers on a journey through the lush landscapes of our beloved urban oasis, while showcasing the dedicated efforts underway to restore natural habitats, remove debris, maintain green spaces, and keep the creek healthy for both wildlife and the community.
Whether you’re a longtime supporter or just discovering TCA, this video is a moving reminder of why our work matters and how, together, we’re making a real difference.
🎥 Special thanks to Maurice Ballew for producing this video in-house and helping us tell the Turtle Creek story so beautifully.
Watch the video and share it with your friends and neighbors—we think it will inspire you just as much as it inspires us.
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The Azalea Luncheon - A
Blooming Success!
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The rain may have been falling on April 2nd, but the spirits of our guests were anything but dampened at the Third Annual Azalea Luncheon, held at the stunning Joule Hotel in downtown Dallas. This sold-out event proved once again that spring’s magic—and our community’s generosity—shines through, rain or shine.
The afternoon began with a reception in The Terrace, a dazzling glass pavilion accessible by private elevator, offering panoramic views of Main Street and the iconic Eye sculpture. Guests were greeted by J.D. Trueblood, President & CEO of Turtle Creek Association, and Sharon Ballew, Vice President of Development and Luncheon Chair, while enjoying passed hors d’oeuvres, chilled champagne, and a signature Toby-Rita cocktail. The elegant reception was sponsored by Sue Krider of Allie Beth Allman & Associates.
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Joining in the festivities were Honorary Chair Mary Brinegar; Honorary Chair Emeritus and TCA Board Member Ann Stuart, Ph.D.; Honorary Chair Emeritus and current Board Chair Deborah Stanford; and TCA Board Member Andrea Willett, of Worth Ross Management Co., who generously sponsored the event.
The venue was transformed into a springtime dream with lit Chinese Elms trees and more than 70 red carpet roses placed throughout the space—available for sponsorship and later to be installed along the Turtle Creek corridor.
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Guests then made their way into the Fortnight Ballroom, where the spring theme continued with more glowing trees, blooming carpet roses, and vibrant floral centerpieces at each table.
Sharon Ballew welcomed the crowd, followed by TCA Board Chair Deb Stanford, who greeted attendees and recognized TCA Board members Teresa Byrd, Karisti Julia, Ann Stuart, PhD, Wayne Smith, Andrea Willett, and Dr. Stephen Worsham.
J.D. Trueblood then offered brief opening remarks and recognized Judith Lipscomb as one of the original founders of TCA. He also acknowledged Andrea Willett of Worth Ross Management Company as the event sponsor and presented a special gift in appreciation of her contributions.
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J.D. then introduced Mary Brinegar, who shared heartfelt remarks about the extraordinary work being accomplished by the Turtle Creek Association. Sharon returned to the stage to thank Mary and present her with a gift of appreciation.
The crowd then turned its attention to the runway. The highly anticipated fashion show, presented once again by Betty Reiter, delivering a stunning preview of the latest styles from Paris, London, and Milan. Making its debut this year was a men’s fashion segment, sponsored by Pockets, which drew enthusiastic applause and admiration from the audience. Following the fashion show a beautifully plated three-course lunch was served.
For the closing, J.D. Trueblood addressed the urgent challenges facing the health of Turtle Creek and emphasized the importance of continued preservation efforts. A poignant, updated video followed—powerfully highlighting why protecting this urban oasis matters, not just to nearby neighborhoods but to the entire Dallas community. The video was created in-house by Maurice Ballew, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to him for his time, talent, and creativity in bringing our message to life.
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We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to our event sponsor, Worth Ross Management Company, and our presenting sponsor, The Joule Hotel. Additional thanks to our incredible supporters: Sue Krider, Betty Reiter, Pockets, Sharon and Wayne Smith, Elyce and David Walthall, Home Health Champions, Castle Group, Cinnamon Shore, Belmont Village Senior Living, and Teresa Byrd.
We are also deeply grateful for the support and presence of all our special guests, sponsors, and members of the TCA community. The Azalea Luncheon continues to grow as one of the most anticipated events of the season—and a vital fundraiser for our mission to preserve, protect, and enhance the beauty and sustainability of Turtle Creek.
Thanks to you, this year’s luncheon was truly a blooming success!
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Azalea Luncheon Patrons Enjoy an Elegant Afternoon at the Dallas Country Club
On March 27, 2025, patrons of the Azalea Luncheon gathered for a charming afternoon of tea, scones, and finger sandwiches at the Dallas Country Club. The event, hosted by Elyce and David Walthall, offered a lovely setting to thank our generous supporters and celebrate the success of the upcoming Azalea Luncheon.
Guests mingled over refreshments in the elegant surroundings, enjoying warm conversation and a shared commitment to the mission of the Turtle Creek Association. We are deeply grateful to the Walthall's for their generous sponsorship, which made this special afternoon possible.
| | Our Sincere thanks to our Azalea Luncheon Sponsors! | |
TCA Makes Major Progress in the
Fairmount Ave Ravine and Beyond...
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We’re excited to share that the third and final phase of the Fairmount Avenue Ravine restoration has been completed! This phase focused on the removal of several large fallen trees—a major undertaking given both the size of the trees and the steep, rugged terrain Parks and Rec crew had to navigate. Despite the challenges, the transformation has been phenomenal to see, and it’s making a noticeable impact on the area.
In addition to clearing the debris, our landscaping team treated the ravine for invasive Chinese Privet and completed a round of trimming last week. Moving forward, trimming will now be done on a monthly basis to keep the area looking its best. One of the most exciting signs of progress: the ravine floor is starting to green up beautifully—see above photo insert.
| | Meanwhile, under the Park Bridge Court bridge, graffiti was recently painted over, improving the overall appearance and feel of the space. Small efforts like these add up and make a big difference in the corridor's overall aesthetic and perception. | | Additional Improvements Planned | | |
- Graffiti under the Fairmount Bridge will soon be removed and the area will be enhanced with new lighting.
- A full refresh of the Cedar Springs median (from just past the Katy Trail overpass to Gillespie). We’re currently in the bidding phase—see rendering for a preview of what’s to come.
- Installation of large boulders under the Fairmount Ave Bridge has begun. Over 26 tons of stone have been placed so far. More to come.
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Installation of the Crow 1 sculpture at the corner of Maple Ave and Turtle Creek Blvd.
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Big problems call for big Solutions—
The large boulders installed under the Fairmount Avenue Bridge are part of a proven strategy to deter encampments and help keep Turtle Creek safe, clean, and beautiful. TCA extends our sincere thanks to our partners at Parks and Recreation for their continued support in addressing this ongoing challenge.
| | | Next Up: A Fresh Look Under the Avondale Bridge | | |
In addition to the above work, we're pleased to share that the graffiti under the Avondale Bridge has been remediated, thanks to funding provided by the TCA. This effort is part of our broader commitment to preserving the beauty and character of the Turtle Creek corridor.
While we recognize that graffiti will always be an ongoing challenge in urban environments, TCA has now taken over the ongoing management of this area, which will allow for a more thoughtful and sustainable approach moving forward.
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Unlike the city’s typical gray paint patches that often leave unsightly “boxes” behind, TCA will be using a like-color application to seamlessly cover any future graffiti. This approach not only keeps the area clean but also maintains the aesthetic integrity of the bridge and surrounding environment.
As previously stated, it's a small but meaningful step in our ongoing efforts to create a more cohesive, cared-for, and beautiful Turtle Creek—and one that we hope the community will notice and appreciate.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue working to enhance every corner of the corridor!
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Making Waves: 2.5 Tons of Trash Removed
Monthly from Turtle Creek!
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It’s hard to believe until you see it—but Trash Free Waterways, funded by TCA and Hillwood Urban, removes an estimated 2.5 tons of trash from the creek each month. That’s right—2.5 tons each month, and if the trend continues, we’re looking at over 10 tons of trash removed from the creek annually.
The numbers are staggering, but they speak to both the challenge and the importance of the work we’re doing. Every bottle, bag, tire, and discarded shopping cart pulled from the water makes a difference—not only for the health of the creek but for the broader ecosystem and community.
And the results are showing. Wildlife is returning—blue herons, kingfishers, and other native species are once again calling Turtle Creek home. Cleaner water and a healthier environment are creating conditions for nature to thrive, and it’s all thanks to the continued efforts of TCA and the support of our members and volunteers.
This is a powerful reminder that our impact is real and measurable. Thank you for helping us protect and preserve this urban treasure—one cleanup at a time. Here's a look at some of the trash removed last month:
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Brushing Up: Ongoing Creekside
Maintenance in Full Swing
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As spring growth kicks into high gear, your TCA donations have been hard at work keeping the Turtle Creek corridor clean, trimmed, and beautiful. Regular brush clearing and trimming are essential parts of our environmental stewardship, and our latest efforts are already making a visible difference. Recent maintenance highlights include:
- Trimming of new brush growth between Maple Avenue and the Ravine at Fairmount Avenue Bridge
- Clearing and trimming near the Bowen Street Bridge and Cedar Springs Road Bridge
- Ongoing maintenance in William B. Dean Park, including under and around the Lemmon Avenue Bridge and along the creek shoreline
In addition to enhancing the natural beauty of the corridor, this work plays a critical role in protecting the creek. Keeping the shoreline trimmed helps prevent trash from getting caught in overgrowth, making cleanups more effective and preserving the health of the waterway.
With the growing season in full swing, this maintenance will be performed monthly to ensure the area stays neat, navigable, and enjoyable for everyone.
Thanks to your support, TCA continues to protect and enhance this cherished urban oasis—one branch, bridge, and shoreline at a time.
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Renewing or becoming a member helps
protect and preserve our creek.
Join Today!
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