Samuell Farm in Mesquite has become the first site in Texas to earn the prestigious Leave No Trace Gold Standard designation, joining 43 other locations nationwide recognized for exemplary outdoor conservation practices.
The 400-acre park received the honor on October 10 from the global Leave No Trace organization.
The designation places Samuell Farm alongside renowned outdoor destinations like Shenandoah National Park, Acadia National Park, and Olympic National Park. It marks a significant achievement for Dallas’ park system and Texas’ conservation efforts.
“Leave No Trace is thrilled to announce Samuell Farm as a Gold Standard Site,” Dana Watts, Leave No Trace executive director, said in a City of Dallas news release. “Samuell Farm has been working toward the designation after participating in Leave No Trace’s Spotlight program in 2023.”
Watts praised the site’s impact on conservation education. “Samuell Farm’s staff and volunteers’ hard work and dedication to protecting natural spaces mean they are a leading force in the Leave No Trace movement and an example of how to implement education effectively.”
The park features trails, ponds, natural spaces, and historical buildings. It houses Dallas’s award-winning Outdoor Adventures program, which offers camping, recreation, and conservation education for all ages.
“Samuell Farm is one of the largest parks in our system and a true community treasure,” said John D. Jenkins, Director of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. “We are proud to honor its history as a working farm while celebrating its role today as a conservation area for outdoor recreation of all kinds.”
Jenkins emphasized the statewide significance of the achievement.
“We are especially proud that Samuell Farm has earned the distinction of being the first Gold Standard Site in Texas. By practicing and sharing the principles of Leave No Trace, we are safeguarding this special place for generations to come.”
To achieve Gold Standard status, parks must formally train staff in Leave No Trace principles and outdoor ethics. They must also successfully implement these practices into management and programs while demonstrating a commitment to preserving their managed areas.
Samuell Farm is located at 100 E. Highway 80 in Mesquite. The Dallas Park and Recreation Department operates it as one of more than 400 city parks.