Call: 214-526-2800

Email:Info@turtlecreekassociation.org

Web: turtlecreekassociation.org

Greetings!

Spring has a way of revealing things.

Not just the blooms and color we’ve all been waiting for—but also the natural beauty that’s been there all along, just waiting to be seen again. Along parts of Turtle Creek, dense overgrowth had been masking what is, at its core, a peaceful and remarkable natural space.

In partnership with the City of Dallas Parks and Recreation Department, TCA has been working to clear long-neglected public land along the creek—areas where invasive vegetation like privet and bamboo had taken hold. In some places, it had become so dense that sidewalks were difficult to navigate and views of the creek were completely hidden.

With that overgrowth removed, something remarkable has happened.

The creek is visible again. Mature trees can breathe. Walkways are open. And people are once again stopping, strolling, and reconnecting with this part of the corridor.

Beyond the visual transformation, these improvements also enhance safety, reduce fire risk, and support the long-term health of the landscape.

At TCA, our responsibility is to care for the corridor as a whole—to ensure it remains safe, accessible, and beautiful for everyone who lives here and enjoys it. That means taking a thoughtful, long-term view of what’s best for Turtle Creek.

And while change can take some getting used to, the results are already clear.

Spaces that were once overlooked are now open and inviting. What was hidden is now something to experience. And in many ways, it feels like we’ve given this stretch of the creek back to the community—revealing the natural beauty that was there all along.

Warm regards,

President | CEO

Turtle Creek Association

At TCA, every gift matters—but some moments stand out as powerful reminders that we are on the right path.

We are deeply grateful to Dr. Steve and Stacie Worsham for their generous $20,000 donation, and to Donna Zick for her extraordinary $50,000 gift in support of our work along the corridor.

These contributions go far beyond financial support. They represent a strong vote of confidence in TCA’s mission to preserve, protect, and enhance Turtle Creek—and in the direction we are headed.

As we continue to take on larger, more visible projects across the corridor, it is this level of commitment from our members that makes the work possible. These gifts affirm that we are focusing on what matters most: improving the health, safety, and beauty of Turtle Creek for everyone who lives, walks, and enjoys this shared space.

They also send a clear message—our community believes in this work.



We are honored by that trust, and we take it seriously. With continued support like this, TCA is well-positioned to build on our momentum and deliver even greater impact in the months and years ahead.

To Dr. Worsham, Stacie, and Donna—thank you for your leadership, your generosity, and your belief in what we are accomplishing together.

Spring has arrived along Turtle Creek—and with it, new life.

If you’ve spent any time along the corridor lately, you may have noticed more than just blooming trees and fresh greenery. Wildlife is returning in meaningful ways. From ducks gliding along the creek to nests tucked quietly into the landscape, Turtle Creek is reminding us that it is not just a place we enjoy—it’s a place many call home.

These moments are a direct reflection of the work being done to restore and care for this corridor. Cleaner water, healthier vegetation, and more open, natural spaces are creating an environment where wildlife can thrive once again.

With that comes a shared responsibility.

This time of year, is especially sensitive, as many species are nesting and raising their young. We encourage everyone to be mindful while enjoying the creek and trails give wildlife space, avoid disturbing nests, and help us preserve the natural balance that is taking hold.

It’s a beautiful reminder that when we invest in the health of our environment, nature responds.

And perhaps the greatest reward is this: seeing Turtle Creek not just maintained, but alive, thriving, and full of possibilities.

If you’ve been wondering, “What’s going on with the Crow sculpture?”, you’re not alone. At this point, the Crow has taken on a bit of a personality of its own.

The concrete base was installed over six months ago, and since then, it’s felt a bit like one step forward, two steps back. Just when we think we’re ready for installation, a new twist appears.

Most recently, we were all set to move the sculpture into place and begin the landscaping, when we were informed it must be securely fastened to the base for liability reasons. Sounds simple enough…until you realize we can’t drill into the sculpture without impacting its value. Cue the classic catch-22.

So now, we’re working with a monument specialist to design a custom casing that will be securely anchored to the base, allowing the sculpture to sit safely within it—think of it like a perfectly fitted phone case (yes, like yours, just significantly heavier and far less likely to fit in your pocket).

Along the way, we also took a step back—intentionally. After the success of the gateway signage on Cedar Springs, we realized this location deserved the same level of presence. So, we asked our landscape team to reimagine the site to include gateway signage as well. For continuity, the font will match exactly, and both the lettering and the Crow itself will be thoughtfully backlit.

The result? A very dramatic gateway entrance for the corridor.

I’ll admit—I’ve worn more hats on this project than I care to count, and there have been plenty of lessons learned along the way. But in the end, it’s going to be something special.

We’re close. Very close.

And if all goes according to plan (no promises—we’ve learned better), we’re targeting a debut this quarter.

Stay tuned…this Crow is worth the wait.

When you support the TCA, your impact is visible—every day, along every stretch of the corridor.

In addition to the monthly removal of trash from the creek by Trash Free Waterways, TCA also funds the ongoing trimming and maintenance of the creek banks and trailways. Pat and his crew recently completed extensive trimming and mowing across several key sections, helping restore a clean, well-maintained appearance to some of our most visible areas.

Our focus is intentional. We prioritize high-visibility areas to ensure the corridor remains inviting, attractive, and reflective of the pride this community has in Turtle Creek. Just as importantly, we maintain portions of the Turtle Creek Leisure Trail—trimming and mowing to preserve clear lines of sight and enhance safety for those walking, jogging, and enjoying the trail.

Behind the scenes, TCA works with four different vendors across the corridor. This approach allows us to ensure we are receiving the best combination of quality, responsiveness, and value—maximizing the impact of every donor dollar entrusted to us.

The results speak for themselves. The transformation in many of these areas is remarkable—what was once overgrown or overlooked is now clean, open, and accessible.

We invite you to take a look for yourself. The following pictures illustrate the difference is not only visible—it’s meaningful.

Where maintenance meets mission... Stonebridge Drive Bridge.

This is your support at work-maintaining the beauty and safety of the Turtle Creek Leisure Trail... Cedar Springs Bridge area.

What was once hidden is now something to see—restored bridges serve as bookends to an open meadow and creek brought back into view: Maple Avenue Bridge and the Fairmount Street Bridge.

Internally, once known as ‘Thorn Hill’—overgrown, filled with brush and debris. Now, a clean and open hillside...between the Lemmon Ave Bridges.

If you’ve driven by the new gateway signage on Cedar Springs Road, you may have noticed something new on the backside.

What was once a blank space is now home to a small but meaningful addition—Toby and his family.

Look closely and you’ll see Toby, in green, standing just a bit apart. He’s on lookout, watching carefully as his family makes their way across the creek to new ground. It’s a simple scene, but one that quietly reflects the spirit of Turtle Creek—movement, connection, and care for what lies ahead.

We saw this as an opportunity to add a touch of TCA’s identity in a way that feels natural, approachable, and maybe even a little unexpected. Not something that demands attention—but something you discover.

Because sometimes, it’s the smallest details that tell the biggest story.

An elegant afternoon set the stage for this year’s Azalea Luncheon as patrons gathered for a delightful tea at the exclusive Dallas Country Club, graciously hosted by David and Elyce Walthall.

Guests were welcomed with champagne and treated to a beautifully curated afternoon tea featuring delicate finger sandwiches and an assortment of exquisite desserts. The atmosphere was both refined and lively, with engaging conversation and a few lighthearted moments—thanks in part to entertaining lip-reading performances that added a touch of fun to the afternoon.

Several guests also shared personal stories of good fortune, bringing an extra layer of charm and connection to the gathering.

The event served as a lovely prelude to the Annual Azalea Luncheon, chaired this year by Pat Kozak, which will be held on April 14th at the historic Warwick Melrose Hotel.

A heartfelt thank you to our hosts and all who attended for making the afternoon so memorable.

👉 Click here to view photos from the Patron Tea