El Paso Open Spaces
Partnered by the
El Paso Neighborhood Coalition
Frontera Land Alliance
General Information
Land trusts offer a solution for land conservation that does not rely on government funding to help protect the land.
Land trusts conserve natural areas, working farms and ranches by negotiating voluntary agreements with property owners to leave their land undeveloped.
There are over 30 land trusts in Texas that have helped to conserve over 1.6 million acres of farms, wetlands, deserts, mountains, forests, watersheds, and coastlines.
Land trusts conserve Texas’s special lands and waters by permanently protecting them from development. Land trusts frequently have missions designed to ensure that every Texan has access to clean water and the opportunity to be connected to the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Conserving land carries with it many long-lasting benefits for our state. By preventing more land from being paved over by asphalt or concrete, we are ensuring that more of our precious rainfall water will soak into the ground and into our aquifers, thereby replenishing the water supply. And conserving land protects habitat for iconic Texas wildlife.
Land trusts bring people together to make commitments that can change communities.
Together we can ensure that the Texas landscape – rich in history, natural resources, breathtaking views and recreational opportunities – can be left intact for all of us today and for future generations.
Resources
Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
General Information
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition was formed in 1978 and played a central role in the events that led to the establishment of Franklin Mountains State Park in 1979. The Coalition consists of organizations and individuals united in their concern for the Franklins in Texas and New Mexico and dedicated to:
preserving the scenic beauty and wilderness character of the Mountains;
protecting the plant and animal resources of the Mountains and preserving the whole range as an intact ecosystem;
stimulating appreciation of the natural values of the Mountains and promoting understanding of their biological, cultural and geological features; and
encouraging recreational, scientific and educational uses of the Mountains consistent with preserving their scenic beauty and wilderness character.
Ongoing Issues and Efforts
Save Our Sierras
Save Our Sierras (SOS) is a committee of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition. SOS is an organization comprised totally of volunteers who are dedicated to the preservation of the Franklin Mountains. Our primary goal is to limit the exploitation of the Franklin Mountains as well as to ensure any future development projects are implemented in an environmentally and ecologically responsible manner, in order to maintain the beauty and grandeur of these wonderful landmarks for the enjoyment of current and future generations of El Pasoans.
Castner Update
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition, partnering with The Frontera Land Alliance, Congressman Beto O’Rourke, the El Paso Community Foundation and an army of volunteers worked diligently in 2016 to preserve Castner Range as a National Monument. Over 35,000 letters and artwork supporting Castner’s preservation were created. Local, county and state agencies proclaimed their backing of the effort. Opinion/editorials appeared in local, state, and national publications urging that Castner become a Monument.
Resources
Franklin Mountains State Park
General Information
The Franklin Mountains provided most of the basic necessities of life for early people here. Today, the mountains meet a different human need – our need for time in nature. Come explore these high-desert mountains, just 15 minutes from El Paso.
Source: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/franklin-mountains
Upcoming Events
DETAILS
Solar Cookies
Friday, Aug. 4th at 11am
In this fun cooking class, you will learn how to build a solar oven out of recycled materials and you will use it to bake chocolate chip cookies!
This program has 10 spots only, so be sure to reserve your spot by calling the park at 915 444-9121.
Fee: $8 per adult 13 years of age and older, $3 for Texas State Park Pass holders, and $1 for children between the ages of 5 and 12.
Game Night at the Park
Saturday, Aug. 5th 3pm to 8pm
Join us for a night of nature-themed board games!
Fee: $5 per adult 13 years of age and older and free for Texas State Park Pass holders, and children 12 years of age and under.
Women Hike - Aztec Caves
Sunday, Aug. 6th at 7:30am
This is a moderate 1.5 mile hike and excellent for families and beginner hikers. The trail is well maintained for most of the hike, with a steep incline with loose rubble just ahead of the entrance to the cave.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, weather appropriate clothing.
Fee: $5 per adult 13 years of age and older and free for Texas State Park Pass holders, and children 12 years of age and under.
Campfire & S'mores
Sunday, Aug. 6th 6pm to 8pm
Join park rangers for a relaxed evening of sharing s'mores and stories around the campfire.
Fire-building demonstration begins at 6pm, and s'mores will be passed out at 6:30pm.
Bring: water, snacks, flashlight, folding chairs (optional), s'mores makings (optional).
Fee: $5 per adult 13 years of age and older and free for Texas State Park Pass holders, and children 12 years of age and under. Please reserve your pass ahead of time at www.texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com or come in before 3:45pm to purchase it at the visitor center (closes at 4pm).
Prospect Mine Tours
Saturday, Aug. 19th at 8:30am, 11am, and 2pm
Join us for a hike out to the copper prospecting mines.
There are 3 tours offered - 8:30am (Lantern-lit), 11am, 2pm
Spaces are limited, so be sure to call the park at 915 444-9121 to reserve your spot.
Bring: water, flashlights, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, comfortable clothes, climbing/biking helmet (optional).
Fee: $8 per adult 13 years of age and older, $3 for Texas State Park Pass holders, and $1 for children between the ages of 5 and 12.
Geocaching 101
Sunday, Aug. 20th at 7:30am
Go on a modern-day treasure hunt!
Learn how to use a Global Positioning System (GPS) to participate in the world's biggest "treasure hunt", geocaching.
Reservations are required by calling the park at 915 444-9121
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, weather appropriate clothing.
Fee: $8 per adult 13 years of age and older, $3 for Texas State Park Pass holders, and $1 for children between the ages of 5 and 12.
Last Sunday Hike - Agave loop
Sunday, Aug. 27th 7:30am
This is a moderate 1.5 mile hike. It begins with a gradual incline through a well maintained switchback trail to wide open vistas to the west. The return trip travels down over scree, or rubble proving to be challenging for some.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, weather appropriate clothing.
Fee: $5 per adult 13 years of age and older and free for Texas State Park Pass holders, and children 12 years of age and under.
FLYERS
(info on left)Solar Cookies
Game Night at the Park
Campfire & S'mores
Prospect Mine Tours
Geocaching 101
Last Sunday Hike - Agave loop
Plan Your Visit
Visiting the park and not sure where to start? Check out the trail recommendations!
The park offers over 100 miles of trails to explore. No matter if this is your first time or you are an experienced hiker, there is at least one trail for you.
How much time do you have?
Resources