Davis Mountains State Park to Host Open House

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FORT DAVIS – Davis Mountains State Park will be showcasing recent improvements and offering free admission to enjoy a host of special activities at an Open House on April 25-26.

Festivities kick off at 8 a.m. on Friday, April 25, with an art contest, Dutch Oven Cook-off, nature photography and how-to-camp workshops and a variety of nature programs. The Moondog Trio will perform at 7 p.m.at Indian Lodge to wrap up the day’s events. Registration will be held at for youth and adult trail races scheduled for Saturday at 9 a.m.

“This is a new adventure for the park,” says Tara Poloskey, the park’s interpretive ranger and volunteer coordinator. “We will be providing programs for all ages, covering  topics from mammals, native grasses, bat house building and Camping 101 to nature photography and wildlife tracking workshops.”

The local community’s creative folks are invited set up their works for display inside the park and can submit nature-related art in an art contest offering prizes. Advanced registration to participate in Arts in the Parks is required by calling (432) 426-3337.

Programs and contests continue on Saturday and will include a bird identification contest, bat house building demonstration, “How-To” nature photography, workshops and more. Nature programs will be presented throughout the day on desert bighorn sheep, plant identification, bats  and history of the Fort Davis area.

Davis Mountains State Park, developed in the early 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which also built the landmark Pueblo Revival-style Indian Lodge inside the park, has been enjoying a renaissance since the 2011 Rockhouse Fire roared through a portion of the park. Since its reopening this past December after four months of repairs and various improvements, visitors have been enjoying the new solar-powered, wildlife-viewing station, revamped bathroom and shower facilities and improvements to the rugged Limpia Canyon Primitive Area.

The 2,700-acre state park remains a popular summer getaway due to its cooler weather thanks to its mile-high elevation, as well as its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, tree-shaded campsites and 12 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. For more information, call (432) 426-3337 or visit: http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/davis-mountains.