Imagine a concrete, stench-radiating canal lined with industrial activity from north of downtown Dallas all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. Such was to be the Trinity River’s fate.  

Then Alan Steelman united an unusual coalition of fiscally conservative Republicans along with environmentalists led by Ned Fritz for his dark-horse race for Congress. Learn Alan’s story of how he won against overwhelming odds and saved the Trinity. 

Today, the Trinity River boasts parks, preserves, and paddling trails that Dallas author Amy Martin shares in her new book Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature Around Dallas-Fort Worth.

 Treat yourself to a free viewing of Living with the Trinity, a KERA-produced documentary, followed by a presentation from Amy Martin at 7:30 p.m. Monday, October 30, at the Allen Public Library.

 “There is only one river in North Texas: the Trinity,” Amy Martin declares. “The Trinity’s four forks and major creek tributaries are home to the largest nature preserves. The river and its reservoirs provide the region's primary water source.  Once rejected and forgotten, paid attention to only when it flooded, valued solely for its ability to carry toxic trash downstream, the Trinity now is transforming. The rise of river recreation, from shoreline paths to paddlers, is reclaiming the river, changing it from a place of refuse to refuge.”

In Collin County, two magnificent natural amenities abut Rowlett Creek, which is a major tributary to the Trinity River. Connemara Conservancy, a 72-acre natural oasis, and Suncreek Forest, one of only a few natural forests featuring trees over 150 years old.

Can’t be there in person? The program will also be streamed live on ACTV. Find viewing options at Watch ACTV or view online at  ACTV.org or YouTube.com/AllenCityTV

The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr. Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.