Cross Timbers Urban Forestry Council (CTUFC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has been structured to operate exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes. Contributions made to the organization are tax deductible.

Counties Include:  Archer, Clay, Cooke, Denton, Erath, Hood, Jack, Johnson, Montague, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somerville, Stevens, Tarrant, Wichita, Wise and Young counties.

Cross Timbers History and Ecosystem

http://www.ctufc.org/ctecosystem.htm

          EXCERPT:  Much of the present day Cross Timbers is now recognized as urban forest.  Surviving on small pockets of undeveloped land and struggling to hold on in areas that are under rapid urbanization.  Unfortunately, the species most commonly affiliated with the Cross Timbers (Post Oak) is also the species that has the lowest tolerance to development.            Many communities in the Cross Timbers region have begun to realize the importance of these remaining locations and have put into place zoning ordinances that penalize developers for clear-cutting of land and reward them for preservation.  Also the State of Texas has taken strides to preserve these sites through state parks and nature preserves.

As has been for millennia, the Cross Timbers eco-region is also home to a diversity of wildlife. 

          Historically, Bison roamed the vast grasslands as they migrated from south to north and back again.  Their presence supported a web of life including Prairie Dogs, Black-footed Ferrets, and Burrowing Owls.  Mountain Lions and Black Bear also ranged across the Cross Timbers.  Today, most of these species have been nearly extirpated from the area, or they prove to be difficult to locate.

          The Cross Timbers eco-region also lies within the Central Flyway of avian migration.  Many neotropical migrants, waterfowl, and birds of prey pass through our part of the country, or stop and spend their breeding or winter season here.