Frisco in Collin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Blackland Prairie and Urban Forests of Frisco
Photographed by James Hulse, July 9, 2026
1. The Blackland Prairie and Urban Forests of Frisco Marker
The land this park rests on runs through an ecoregion known as the Blackland Prairie. The Blacklands consist of about 12.6 million acres, extending from the Red River through Central Texas as far south as San Antonio. The prairie was named after its rich, dark soil. These expansive, virtually-open grasslands were scattered with clusters of trees and woody vegetation. Numerous wooded stream bottoms crossed the prairies, dominated by sugarberry, elm, cottonwood, pecan, and oak trees.
Most of the main belt of the Blacklands has been converted to cropland or tame pasture. The cities and suburbs of Dallas, San Antonio, Waco, and Austin also cover large areas of former grassland. Most of the areas that have not been plowed have been significantly grazed by domestic livestock. Overall the Blacklands represent the most completely altered of all Texas grasslands and their remnants are in need of conservation.
Why Trees Are Important in an Urban Environment
Trees clean the air. Trees prevent soil erosion. Trees can reduce noise pollution. Trees help lower energy usage in a city.
Urban Forestry Board
The City
this page online
A patch of Blackland Prairie in central Frisco
Eastern Redbud, Cercis canadensis
Smooth Sumac, Rhus glabra
Antelope Horns Milkweed, Asclepias asperula
Pecan Tree, Quercus macrocarpa
Have you seen our Champion Tree here at the park?
Facts with Walnut - Less than 1% of the original Blackland prairie vegetation remains.
Erected by City of Frisco.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 33° 9.536′ N, 96° 48.857′ W. Marker is in Frisco, Texas, in Collin County. It is on McKinney Road east of Sycamore Street. The marker is located in the
Photographed by James Hulse, July 9, 2026
2. The Blackland Prairie and Urban Forests of Frisco Marker
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Private Lee Harold Derryberry (within shouting distance of this marker); Platoon Sergeant Oren Ralph Hill (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Private First Class Sidney Gordon Duncan (about 700 feet away); Corporal Kenneth Jack Hill (about 700 feet away); Technical Sergeant Mabron Paul Johnson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Private Cecil Cleveland Waldrum (approx. 0.2 miles away); Corporal Robert Ray Brown (approx. 0.2 miles away); Tribes and Trails (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and
Photographed by James Hulse, July 9, 2026
3. The Blackland Prairie and Urban Forests of Frisco Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 12 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 16, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
