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Frontera Land Alliance
Frontera Land Alliance
General Information
General Information
Land trusts offer a solution for land conservation that does not rely on government funding to help protect the land.
Land trusts conserve natural areas, working farms and ranches by negotiating voluntary agreements with property owners to leave their land undeveloped.
There are over 30 land trusts in Texas that have helped to conserve over 1.6 million acres of farms, wetlands, deserts, mountains, forests, watersheds, and coastlines.
Land trusts conserve Texas’s special lands and waters by permanently protecting them from development. Land trusts frequently have missions designed to ensure that every Texan has access to clean water and the opportunity to be connected to the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
Conserving land carries with it many long-lasting benefits for our state. By preventing more land from being paved over by asphalt or concrete, we are ensuring that more of our precious rainfall water will soak into the ground and into our aquifers, thereby replenishing the water supply. And conserving land protects habitat for iconic Texas wildlife.
Land trusts bring people together to make commitments that can change communities.
Together we can ensure that the Texas landscape – rich in history, natural resources, breathtaking views and recreational opportunities – can be left intact for all of us today and for future generations.
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Resources
Resources
Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition
General Information
General Information
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition was formed in 1978 and played a central role in the events that led to the establishment of Franklin Mountains State Park in 1979. The Coalition consists of organizations and individuals united in their concern for the Franklins in Texas and New Mexico and dedicated to:
preserving the scenic beauty and wilderness character of the Mountains;
protecting the plant and animal resources of the Mountains and preserving the whole range as an intact ecosystem;
stimulating appreciation of the natural values of the Mountains and promoting understanding of their biological, cultural and geological features; and
encouraging recreational, scientific and educational uses of the Mountains consistent with preserving their scenic beauty and wilderness character.
Ongoing Issues and Efforts
Ongoing Issues and Efforts
Save Our Sierras
Save Our Sierras
Save Our Sierras (SOS) is a committee of the Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition. SOS is an organization comprised totally of volunteers who are dedicated to the preservation of the Franklin Mountains. Our primary goal is to limit the exploitation of the Franklin Mountains as well as to ensure any future development projects are implemented in an environmentally and ecologically responsible manner, in order to maintain the beauty and grandeur of these wonderful landmarks for the enjoyment of current and future generations of El Pasoans.
Castner Update
Castner Update
The Franklin Mountains Wilderness Coalition, partnering with The Frontera Land Alliance, Congressman Beto O’Rourke, the El Paso Community Foundation and an army of volunteers worked diligently in 2016 to preserve Castner Range as a National Monument. Over 35,000 letters and artwork supporting Castner’s preservation were created. Local, county and state agencies proclaimed their backing of the effort. Opinion/editorials appeared in local, state, and national publications urging that Castner become a Monument.
Resources
Resources
Franklin Mountains State Park
Franklin Mountains State Park
General Information
General Information
The Franklin Mountains provided most of the basic necessities of life for early people here. Today, the mountains meet a different human need – our need for time in nature. Come explore these high-desert mountains, just 15 minutes from El Paso.
Source: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/franklin-mountains
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Women Hike at Lower Sunset Trail
Sat. Aug. 16th at 7:30am
Come explore the beautiful Chihuahuan Desert with other women, led by a female ranger or volunteer. Learn about best hiking practices and the unique desert ecosystems. This hike is open to women of all experience levels who are excited to spend more quality time outdoors.
This is an easy to moderate 3 mile hike and is excellent for families, beginner hikers, or geology and wildlife enthusiasts. After a steep initial descent down an old jeep road the trail transitions to well-maintained trail that climbs up and out of the canyon meandering around rock outcroppings before making its way back up. It ends with a slightly steeper climb up to the scenic overlook.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
Meeting Location: The end loop in the Tom Mays Unit.
Fee: $5.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $0.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children between the ages of 5 and 12.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
Geocaching 101
Sun. Aug. 17th at 8am
Get ready for national geocaching day by going on a modern-day treasure hunt in Franklin Mountains State Park!
Learn how to use a Global Positioning System (GPS) to participate in the world's biggest "treasure hunt," geocaching. Use coordinates and clues to find hidden caches left by other geocachers all around the world.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
Meeting location: The Visitor Center in the Tom Mays Unit.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
Fee: $8.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $3.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders, and $1.00 for children between the ages of 5 and 12.
Prospect Mine Tours
Sun. Aug. 24th
7:30am - Lantern Lit
Join your park ranger turned turn-of-the-century guide on a historical exploration of an old mine shaft in the Franklin's.
We will meet at the West Cottonwood Springs Trailhead in the Tom Mays unit of Franklin Mountains State Park.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
*Note* Due to the small size of this mine, only 14 participants are allowed per tour.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes. If you are sensitive to oil lamp smoke, a face mask is highly encouraged.
Optional: climbing/biking helmet or hardhat, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
Fee: $8.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $3.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders, and $1.00 for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Payment can be made at the Visitor Center as you enter Tom Mays.
10am - Regular tour
Join us for a hike out to the copper prospecting mines.
We will meet at the West Cottonwood Springs Trailhead in the Tom Mays unit of Franklin Mountains State Park.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
*Note* Due to the small size of this mine, only 14 participants are allowed per tour.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: climbing/biking helmet or hardhat, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
Fee: $8.00 per adult 13 years of age and older, $3.00 for Texas State Park Pass holders, and $1.00 for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Payment can be made at the Visitor Center as you enter Tom Mays.
Last Sunday Hike at Upper Sunset Trail
Sun. Aug. 31st 7:30am
Join a park ranger on a guided hike through the Western foothills of the Franklin Mountains.
This hike is a moderate 1.5 mile hike that follows a low ridgeline west of the Tom Mays Park Access Road.
Meeting location: At the southern end of the trailhead. When you enter Tom Mays, stop by the Visitor Center and let the Ranger on duty know you are part of the hike. This is where you will pay the fee. Take the first sharp left after passing the booth and find a parking space.
Bring: water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, and comfortable clothes.
Optional: binoculars, hiking stick, camera, and a map.
Fee: $5 for adults 13 years old and up; $0 for Texas State Park Pass holders and children 12 and under. Pay at the Visitor center as you enter.
Reservations required; to reserve your spot, call the office at (915) 444-9121.
Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
Visiting the park and not sure where to start? Check out the trail recommendations!
The park offers over 100 miles of trails to explore. No matter if this is your first time or you are an experienced hiker, there is at least one trail for you.
How much time do you have?
Resources
Resources
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