Dinosaur Valley State Park
Friends of Dinosaur Valley State Park (FDVSP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, Texas. Established in 1993, FDVSP collaborates with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to fund critical park improvements, educational programs, and community engagement efforts.
Conservation and Community Impact
FDVSP plays a vital role in various conservation and enhancement initiatives:
Infrastructure and Equipment Support: The organization has contributed over $2 million to the park through sales from the park store, enabling the purchase of essential equipment such as ATVs, trucks, playground gear, and tools for trail maintenance.
Accessibility Improvements: Funds have been allocated to create a paved, handicapped-accessible trail along the Paluxy River, install wayside exhibits, and develop new rock stairways to enhance visitor access to key areas.
Educational and Cultural Programs: FDVSP supports various events like National Fossil Day, Christmas in the Park, Dino Dive, Haunted Hike, and Spring Wing Ding, which promote public education and engagement with the park's natural and cultural resources.
Visitor Amenities and Facilities: The organization has funded the construction of a solar-powered pavilion—one of only three in Texas state parks—and is actively working towards building a new state-of-the-art visitor center.
Volunteer and Support Opportunities
FDVSP encourages community involvement through various avenues:
Volunteering: Individuals can participate in park maintenance, event organization, and educational outreach.
Donations and Purchases: All proceeds from the park store and online gift shop directly benefit the park, supporting ongoing projects and initiatives.
Events: Annual events like the Dino Dive provide opportunities for community engagement and support for the park's conservation efforts.