Carrollton Friends of the Greenbelt (CFTG) is a volunteer non-profit community organization, formed in October 2004, by a group of Carrollton residents living in the Nob Hill Greenbelt area who became concerned about the adverse environmental effects of a series of municipal construction projects planned for the Greenbelt. For many years, Carrollton residents had enjoyed this beautiful and serene green space of more than 105 acres, with its combined parkland, ponds and natural habitat areas bordering a lovely urban stream and its riparian corridor. However, these proposed projects threatened to destroy habitats in the Greenbelt and dramatically reduce Furneaux Creek’s natural corridor without sufficient concern for citizen input or the impact on the natural environment. The channelization of Furneaux Creek was completed in 2005, leaving a significant scar in the Greenbelt and a measurable reduction of natural habitat along the creek. We believe that there is continuing need for a voice to advocate the conservation of green space, natural habitats and aquatic resources in the Greenbelt and the Furneaux Creek corridor.
INITIATIVES
Our goal is to build an effective, self-sustaining organization, through an active membership and development of resources and community partners, that will enable us to achieve our Mission objectives. For the future, CFTG will pursue the following initiatives :
● Act as a community educational resource for habitat and wildlife conservation and the appreciation of flora and fauna in the Greenbelt and Furneaux Creek corridor, by sponsoring speakers and developing educational displays and workshops.
● Support municipal action that utilizes environmental stewardship and sensitive, prudent land management, as well as conservation practices that will result in preservation and enhancement of the Greenbelt and Furneaux Creek corridor habitats.
● Advocate before public agencies for the conservation of the Greenbelt and Furneaux Creek corridors and for the reduction of further development in green space.
● Provide support and monitoring for efforts to restore and maintain habitats, native trees and plants in the Greenbelt and Furneaux Creek corridor through municipal and private planting and maintenance projects.
RESULTS
Our work as an advocate for Greenbelt and Furneaux Creek conservation and restoration includes a successful 2004 petition to the City of Carrollton to reduce the width of the Furneaux Creek Trail within a nature area from 10 feet to 8 feet, minimizing the adverse impact of concrete on the Greenbelt. CFTG also participated in the trail planning process, providing commentary to City staff on the trail’s location and impact on Greenbelt habitats. Throughout the Furneaux Creek stream enhancement project (2004-05), CFTG provided construction monitoring and reported adverse conditions and activities to the City Engineering Department and the USACE. In January 2005 CFTG worked with Carrollton city staff and City Council Members to obtain protective fencing around a Great Horned Owl nesting area in the Greenbelt located near a construction area where heavy equipment was in use. CFTG also coordinated the rescue of a nesting Great Horned Owl from that same area, monitored its recovery at Kathy Rogers Wildlife Center and assisted in the release of the owl back to the Greenbelt in March 2005. In the 4th quarter of 2005, CFTG sponsored a meeting in the Greenbelt, featuring Bob Schantz, the City of Carrollton arborist, who spoke to residents about projects for restoration of trees and native plants after the completion of the Furneaux Creek stream enhancement project. CFTG adopted the Greenbelt sign planter at Crooked Creek and McCoy and established initial plantings of drought resistant plant species. CFTG purchased wildflower seed and partnered with Girl Scout Troop 41 and other community volunteers to plant approximately 10,000 square feet of native Texas wildflower seed in the Greenbelt, in areas designated by the City of Carrollton for restoration.
CFTG became a Texas non-profit corporation in October 2005 and is currently managed by a Board of Directors and its officers. From time to time CFTG announces membership events and Greenbelt workdays for clean ups and maintenance of our wildflower restoration projects. Volunteers are most welcome! Dates for meetings and work days will be announced on our Events and News page. CFTG also participates in the fall Elm Fork Nature Fest.
JOIN US: If you would like to show your support for our organization and conservation of natural habitats and water resources in the Nob Hill Greenbelt and Furneaux Creek, we welcome new members and donations. Please go to the our Membership page for more information and an application.
CONTACT US:
Carrollton Friends of the Greenbelt
P O Box 117502
Carrollton, TX 75011
carrolltonfriendsofthegreenbelt@yahoo.com
