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.
Upcoming Events
Farm Volunteer Day
July 16 - 8AM - 11AM
10257 Socorro Road Socorro, TX, 79927
Volunteers Needed at a local Socorro Farm, “Growing with Sara Farm”. Get your hands dirty and learn how your vegetables grow!
Nececitamos voluntarios en una granja local de Socorro, "Growin[? with Sara Farm”. Ensuciate las manos’y aprende como crecen tus verduras!
Arte Al Aire Libre
July 20 - 6:30PM - 8:30PM
Knapp Land
Join us for this fun and relaxing outdoor art and painting session. Limit to 10 people, RSVP REQUIRED.
Estan invitados a esta divertida y relajante sesion de arte y pintura al aire libre. Limitado a 10 personas, SE REQUIERE REGISTRO.
Latinos In The Outdoors
July 22 - 8AM - 11AM
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
Enjoy the outdoors and experience the Latino history of Hueco Tanks! RSVP REQUIRED TO (915) 857-1135.
Disfruta del dire libre y experimenten la historia latina de Hueco Tanks! SE REQUIERE REGISTRO A TRAVES DE (915) 857-1135.
Noche De Insectos
July 23 - 8PM - 10PM
El Paso Museum of Archaeology
Explore the outdoors in search for nocturnal insects and view local moths during a mothing activity! Limited to 20 people, RSVP REQUIRED.
Explore el aire libre en busca de insectos nocturnos y observa polillas locales durante una actividad! Limitado a 20 personas, SE REQUIERE REGISTRO.
Bilingual Walk
July 24 - 8AM - 10AM
Resler Canyon
Enjoy a morning stroll through an arroyo and learn about the Chihuahuan Desert!
Disfruta de un paseo por la mafana, fior un arroyo y aprende sobre nuestro Desierto Chihuahuense!
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
S'mores Recipe Swap
Sat. Aug. 6th 6pm
We will provide the basic s'mores ingredients (marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate), but encourage everyone to bring their favorite add-ons and share their recipes.
We'll meet at the fire pit located at the Tom Mays Visitor Center; entrance fee ($5 adults 13 years of age and up; $0 Texas Park Pass holders and children under 12) must be paid at the park or online ahead of time as the office closes at 4pm.
Outdoor Skills - Camping 101
Sun. Aug. 7th 9am to 12pm
Get ready for the fall camping season! We'll cover basic camping skills from setting up a tent to building a fire and cooking a meal.
All class materials will be provided.
Reservations required by calling the park at 915 444-9100.
$8 adults 13 years of age and up, $3 Texas State Park Pass holders, $1 children between 5 and 12 years old.
Cardiac - Maze Hike
Sat. Aug. 13th 7:30am
Moderately difficult hike of about 3 miles round trip.
Reservations required by calling the park at 915 444-9100.
We'll meet at the Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park.
$8 adults 13 years of age and up, $3 Texas State Park Pass holders, $1 children between 5 and 12 years old.
Peak Challenge - North Franklin Peak
Sat. Aug. 20th 7am
This is a strenuous hike of about 8 miles round trip.
It is recommended for hikers to bring snacks or a sack lunch, 2-4 litters of water, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes. Hikers with less than 1.5 litters of water or inadequate gear will not be allowed to attempt this hike.
Reservation required by calling the park 915 444-9100.
$8 adults 13 years of age and up, $3 Texas State Park Pass holders, $1 children between 5 and 12 years old.
Women Hike - Aztec Caves
Sat. Aug. 27th 8am
This is a moderate 1.5 mile hike excellent for families and beginner hikers. Last section of the trail is a steep incline with loose rubble.
Reservations required by calling the park at 915 444-9100.
$8 adults 13 years of age and up, $3 Texas State Park Pass holders, $1 children between 5 and 12 years old.
Tin Mine Tour
Sun. Aug. 28th 7am
This is a moderate to difficult hike of 6 miles. We'll meet at Chuck Heinrich Memorial Park.
Reservations required by calling the park at 915 444-9100.$8 adults 13 years of age and up, $3 Texas State Park Pass holders, $1 children between 5 and 12 years old.
Last Sunday Hike - West Cottonwood Spring
Sun. Aug. 28th 7:30am
This is a moderate 3 mile loop.
Reservations required by calling the park at 915 444-9100.$8 adults 13 years of age and up, $3 Texas State Park Pass holders, $1 children between 5 and 12 years old.
FLYERS
click to seeS'mores Recipe Swap
Outdoor Skills - Camping 101
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