Riparian Committee

Riparian, adjective: relating to the banks of a river or creek

The mission of Eastwood Riparian is to improve our neighborhood’s quality of life by fostering a healthy natural environment in our park and greenbelt. To bring the benefits of nature to all our neighbors, we:

• repair erosion
• maintain trails
• improve wildlife habitat
• establish native vegetation, and
• hinder invasive and harmful plants.

Spring and fall greenbelt wildflower displays are the work of our volunteers. Look for announcements of plant news and our volunteer days on ENA Nextdoor.

Eastwood Riparian gathers more or less monthly, depending on weather, to volunteer in our park and greenbelt. Look for our announcements on ENA Nextdoor or newsletter. Our team includes nature and dog enthusiasts, landscape contractors, landscape architects, North Texas Master Naturalists and others ranging from 20s to 60s. Join us by contacting the committee chairperson Michael Parkey.

One of the standing committees of Eastwood Neighborhood Association, the chairperson serves on the Board of Directors. Our work is made possible by financial contributions of ENA members.

Click here to Donate --- Click here to volunteer

Riparian History

Eastwood Riparian began in 2002 as a project initiated by Frances Atwood. Neighbors alarmed by erosion along Dixon Branch and its Deep Tributary (which runs between Creekmere and Sinclair) quickly joined her.

The riparian erosion damage threatened our many mature trees, street paving, and even underground utility lines. To prevent the installation of another concrete channel such as done along Vinemont, Eastwood Riparian developed ways to stop and repair erosion while protecting our greenbelt.

Ginger Travis served as volunteer coordinator from 2002 until 2016 when she retired. The current chairperson is Michael Parkey.

Riparian Supporters

Eastwood Riparian members succeeded in obtaining training and advice from experts in the field, and about $40,000 in grants and financial support, including from those below.

• City of Dallas, MOWmentum Program
• City of Dallas, Parks and Recreation Department
• City of Dallas, Loving My Community Grant Program
• City of Dallas, Reforestation Fund and Office of the City Forester
• North Texas Master Naturalists
• North Central Texas Council of Governments, The Stream Team
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Five Star Grant Program
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program
• Thanks to all of these organizations, and to ENA volunteers for many hundreds of hours of work.