October 2025

Fossil Day Celebration at the New Park

This month’s National Fossil Day Celebration drew fossil hunters of all ages to the new Ladonia Fossil Park (which was opened temporarily for the event). Attendees had the opportunity to check out displays of fossils that have been found in and around the North Sulphur River and talk with the pros to identify their own finds. Ladonia Chamber of Commerce and Dallas Paleontological Society helped organize and support the festivities.

Fossil Day Celebration photos - Credit: Cheryl McClure

The new, permanent fossil park is just downstream of the Leon Hurse Dam, close to where Baker Creek flows into the North Sulphur River. The Baker Creek watershed spans approximately 22 square miles, and both Baker and McClure Creeks will continue to flow naturally into the North Sulphur River, facilitating the discovery of new fossils at the park over time. During periods of heavy rain, additional water may also flow over the Leon Hurse Dam spillway. The following map highlights where these creeks connect to the river and the location of the new Fossil Park.

The park is still under construction and not yet open to the public. It is scheduled to open permanently later this year or in early 2026.

Restoring Streams - Restoring Nature

As part of #LakeRalphHall construction, Upper Trinity built four new stream channels totaling nearly six miles to restore natural water flow, stabilize stream banks, and reduce erosion. Check out our newest video and see how this project is giving nature a second chance.

#TakeALakeForward to the
Visitor Center & Trailhead Parking

Rendering of the future trailhead

Upper Trinity is almost finished with designs for the Lake Ralph Hall Visitor Center and Lake Office. The building will serve as the District’s base of lake administration and operations and a welcoming space for visitors, recreators and locals alike—with a public space available for meetings and community gatherings. Ninety percent of the building should be designed by the end of this year, and the groundbreaking for construction is planned for next summer.

Construction will begin shortly on a trailhead for the SH 34 bike/pedestrian path over the North Sulphur River and includes a parking lot that will serve both the trailhead and the visitor center (design shown above). Upper Trinity has hired a contractor, and completion is expected next spring. Designed for just over 20 vehicles, the parking lot and trailhead will make it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy the lake and new trails for years to come.

A Firsthand Look at the Progress

Upper Trinity’s Board of Directors recently toured the #LakeRalphHall project site to see the progress firsthand. This included the nearly finished pump station that will eventually deliver water to communities across North Texas. From construction of the new dam and spillway to the pump station and balancing reservoir, a lot has been accomplished to bring one of Texas’ newest major reservoirs to life.