A prairie coming back to life.
Seventy-four acres cared for by neighbors and naturalists, open for everyone to explore.
73.96 acres- Returned to the community as public parkland
5+ milesof trails- Cleared and cared for by local volunteers
Opened 2007- Friends began organizing in 2005
Freefor everyone- Open daily from dawn to dusk
Quiet wonder is waiting.
Trails circle a seasonal pond filled with croaking frogs and descend into a shaded ravine beneath an old live oak. In spring, wildflowers spread across the prairie.
At the center, a working windmill draws water from an old well once used for livestock. An accessible crushed-granite trail leads through the Elizabeth Crockett Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden.
Explore the trail map
Six landmarks in the land’s story.
Landmarks from the site’s past and present.
Navigation station- Two survey markers recall the land’s aviation history.
Working windmill- Still drawing water beside the garden and pond.
Ashe juniper- A native evergreen often called cedar.
Seasonal pond- Seasonal rain brings frogs, insects, and birds.
Historic farmhouse- Restored for nature programs and field learning.
Bird blind- Built for close birdwatching without disturbing the habitat.
From navigation station to nature center.
Before it welcomed walkers and birdwatchers, this high ground held an FAA radio-navigation station that helped pilots find their way through the Dallas–Fort Worth region. The navigation facility later moved to Glen Rose. Two geodetic survey markers remain at ANC, a small reminder of the land’s aviation history.
In 2004, Hood County Development District No. 1 learned that the 73.96-acre former FAA property was available through the Department of the Interior’s Federal Lands to Parks Program. The land was donated to Hood County, which assigned stewardship and development to the district. The district helped care for this land before it became the owner in 2025.
- Early 1970s
- The Acton radio-navigation station became part of the network serving the Dallas–Fort Worth region.
- 2004
- The former FAA property became an opportunity for public parkland and outdoor learning.
- Early 2005
- Friends of the Acton Nature Center formed to help guide the center’s development.
- 2007
- Acton Nature Center opened to the public, building on two years of community work.
- 2020
- The VOR service at Glen Rose was retired, years after aviation equipment had left the ANC property.
- 2025
- Ownership passed from Hood County to Hood County Development District No. 1.
Who cares for ANC.
A partnership of volunteers and local organizations keeps the center open for free recreation, outdoor education, and the care of native habitats.
Volunteer care
Friends of the Acton Nature Center and the Rio Brazos Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program work together to operate and maintain ANC, from its trails and gardens to its bird habitat.
Public ownership and support
Hood County Development District No. 1 owns the property and provides financial support. Lake Granbury Master Gardeners helped establish the center and its gardens alongside the founding volunteers.
Learning in the field
School visits, homeschool programs, monthly bird walks, and research connect people with nature. The butterfly garden and Monarch Waystation offer opportunities to watch and learn.
Restoring the prairie
Habitat care continues throughout the preserve. Learn why volunteers remove some cedars and prickly pear while keeping native trees where they belong.
Nature for everyone.
Walk, ride the bike trails, watch birds, or bring a leashed dog. ANC invites people of every age to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the living landscape they share.
“The Acton Nature Center of Hood County will promote a recreational and educational venue for nature enthusiasts of all ages.”