Temporary Ladonia Fossil Park now open
By Upper Trinity Regional Water District
Jul 12, 2021
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Original park permanently closes for construction of new bridge

Lewisville, Texas (July 9, 2021) – The new temporary Ladonia Fossil Park on FM 2990 north of the City of Ladonia, TX is now open.  Upper Trinity Regional Water District (UTRWD) has completed construction of the new fossil park that includes a large parking lot and an easier walking path to the North Sulphur River for fossil hunters.  The fossil park is located on the north side of the North Sulphur River on the east of FM 2990.

Entrance to temporary Fossil Park - photo by Cheryl McClure

The original Ladonia Fossil Park on Hwy 34 is now closed to allow for the construction of a new bridge over the future Lake Ralph Hall. The original park is in the reservoir footprint and will be inundated when the reservoir fills.  Signs have been installed to direct fossil hunters to the new, temporary park.

“The District recognizes the importance of the Ladonia Fossil Park to the local community and visitors alike,” said Larry N. Patterson, Executive Director of Upper Trinity.  “Both the District and City of Ladonia are working to select another, permanent location downstream of the reservoir for the Ladonia Fossil Park, where fossil hunters can continue safe and easy access to the river bottom after the new reservoir is built.”

New walking path to North Sulphur River - photo by Cheryl McClure

A new, permanent fossil park will be built after the lake is complete. By offering different locations to access the river, the temporary and future parks will provide opportunities for additional and untapped fossil discoveries.

For more information about the Lake Ralph Hall project, visit www.lakeralphhall.com.  Stay up to date by following the project on Facebook (www.facebook.com/lakeralphhall) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/lakeralphhall1). 

About Upper Trinity

Upper Trinity is a regional water district created by the Texas Legislature in 1989 for the benefit of cities and utilities in the Denton County area. Its mandate is to develop regional plans for water services, and to provide both water and wastewater services on a wholesale basis to cities and utilities within its service area, including all of Denton County and portions of Dallas and Collin Counties.  Upper Trinity is a leader in public education regarding water conservation and water quality protection, and regularly conducts programs concerning drought tolerant landscape techniques, landscape practices and more efficient water use. 

For more information, please contact Jason L. Pierce, Manager of Governmental Affairs & Communications at 972-219-1228.