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Urban Wild
With Corps of Engineers environmentally protected areas to the east, north and sporadically scattered throughout town, Trophy Club residents do not need to wander very far to encounter nature. Additionally, the golf course provides the perfect environment for a variety of animals to flourish and often residents find critters in yards, swimming pools and hiding under decks.
Covering only 4.2 square miles, Trophy Club topography includes charming creeks and rolling hills nestled in the northwest quadrant of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Trophy Club is located in the North Central Plains Region of Texas (PDF).
Eastern Cross Timbers
The town is uniquely positioned within the Eastern Cross Timbers area, which is a forest region that separates the Black Prairies on the east and the Grand Prairies on the west. The altitude along the Cross Timbers regions is slightly higher than the surrounding prairies and the soil is very fertile, which produces larger trees and a wider variety of trees and shrubs. Common tree species include:
- American and slippery elm
- Ashes
- Black willow
- Bur oak
- Cottonwood
- Pecan
- Sugarberry
- Walnut
Wildlife
With wooded areas comes diversity in wildlife and residents have reported a variety of wild animal sightings, including:
- Beaver
- Bobcat
- Coyotes
- Deer
- Fox
- Hogs
- Nutria
- Turkey
- Many more
Residential Development
Much of the wooded areas have been removed to accommodate residential development; however, the town leases the 877-acre Trophy Club Park from the U.S. Corps of Engineers which provides residents and visitors a glimpse into the Eastern Cross Timbers region as it existed hundreds of years ago.
Surrounding Areas
Trophy Club lays within the Trinity River watershed and thanks to Trophy Club Park, also borders Grapevine Lake on the northeast side of town. Several small creeks and streams wind through town, most notably Marshall Creek Branch which flows from Grapevine Lake through residential areas and the Trophy Club Country Club golf course.
Police Dispatch
Should you encounter any sick or injured animals/wildlife, always call Police dispatch at 972-434-5500.
As most of you already know, we share the wooded areas with a multitude of wildlife in Trophy Club, ranging from field mice to white-tailed deer. Living next to the Corp of Engineer property and the golf course allows foxes, coyotes, bobcats and all wildlife easy access to our yards and properties. Most of these animals will hunt or stalk bird feeders for birds, squirrels or other small rodents that come after the birdseed. Most of our experiences will be sightings, or occasionally some first-hand contact with some of the animals that show up around the house, dig in our flowerbeds and lawns or get into our trash. Existing alongside these animals can be quite a chore at times but following a few simple rules will help lessen the chance of wildlife coming around your property.
Pet Food
Keep pet food up and inside. Do not leave food or water outside for your animals to eat. Food will attract fur-bearing animals that you do not want around your home.
Trash
Trash should be kept inside or in tightly closed containers. Trash will attract raccoons, opossums, crows, stray cats and dogs, and all other types of wildlife. Raccoons, skunks, and opossums will make their way into the garage after the family pet food or trash. Trash and food items also attract rodents into your garage or deck area, and rodents, in turn, will attract snakes, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats.
Do not allow any of your cats or small dogs to roam freely, even while in your presence unless very close to you. Coyotes have been seen as close at 30 yards, sitting and watching people with pets in the backyards. While they are not likely to attack your pet with you standing there, coyotes may come back later to see if the pet is out by itself.
- Dogs should always be on a leash. Coyotes are dogs, too, and they attract one another.
- Some coyotes have been seen around the Harmony Park area in the evening. Coyotes are curious by nature, and they will come to see what the noise is when children are playing in the park and will sit and watch as you walk your pet past them. Do not try to approach them, but rather yell loudly, clap your hands, and if possible, throw a rock or stick at them.
- Coyotes are becoming far too accustomed to us and no longer receive a negative reaction from us when we do see them. Always shout loudly or throw something at them. This action will condition them to stay away from humans.
Used as a defensive weapon, skunks excrete a foul-smelling odor when threatened. They will also bite and can carry rabies. Please do not approach these animals and unless they become a nuisance, allow them to move along.
Following some simple common sense rules will allow us to enjoy the wildlife and they, too, can enjoy us at a distance.