
Where I Live: Resident of Arlington’s Forest Hills sees his neighborhood through rose-colored glasses
Arlington resident Evan Marks poses in an open field in his neighborhood of Forest Hills. (Keyla Holmes | Fort Worth Report)
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By Evan Marks
When I tell people I live in northeast Arlington, it’s typically met with an expression of sympathy. I will always refute this: There’s more here than traffic.
My home is here. I’m the sixth generation of my family to reside in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. I now live with my folks in the Forest Hills neighborhood with much gratitude. Mostly because of the neighborhood’s gift of unremitting natural scenery.
The West Fork Trinity River meanders congruent with the roadways, providing an unusual amount of organic shape to the neighborhood. Prolific mature oak trees add even more distinction. Here, the light is dappled and filtered through green leaves or waving branches.
I share my setting with the wildlife gleefully. In the spring, squirrels wake me by running rampant on the roofs. Coyotes howl during the night, foxes sprint through the field and the opossums help keep my dog tick-free. There’s more I could mention, but I appreciate being able to count on all their visits.
In contrast, monumental transmission towers continue their route through Forest Hills. They provide a paved walking path underneath their might toward a scenic duck pond, which is home to a particularly majestic great blue heron.
After moving here in March, I couldn’t help but begin birdwatching. Getting a better view of their magnificence was a pressing goal. I rushed to buy a squirrel-proof feeder and seeds. The birds would soon make their way to my backyard and keep coming back, sharing their splendor with me. I can only think, “What a blessing; the mornings are never devoid of beauty here.”
Often, I see threats to this beauty. Plastic waste is being carelessly abandoned near a freshwater source all the time. I consider litter a problem in Forest Hills and the surrounding area.
It breaks my heart to see the lack of respect for our neighborhood. Litter is more than an eyesore. It is a lethal threat to all animals. The community could use more environmental stewardship. I wish more residents would properly store their trash before it’s picked up.
With how much this neighborhood has to offer, my only response can be to take pride in preserving my surroundings.
The flora and fauna of Forest Hills have charmed me. I can find comfort in the familiarity of a suburb while holding onto my need to be surrounded by nature. I am grateful to experience this balance, especially in my hometown.
Arlington is special to me. I see her beauty everywhere, not just in Forest Hills. I don’t think I’ll ever again move far away. My fear of homesickness will keep me rooted.
However, this is no tragedy, as I will never have to grieve the things I’ve learned to love about home. Things like, how the sun feels and the scent of the air. Even as the city transforms, I will look at her with the rose-colored glasses of someone who feels so much for their home.
Forest Hills in Arlington
Total population: 3,888Female: 51% | Male: 49%
Age0-9: 12%10-19: 5%20-29: 31%30-39: 11%40-49: 10%50-59: 11%60-69: 14%70-79: 4%80 and older: 1%
EducationNo degree: 1%High school: 12%Some college: 29%Bachelor’s degree: 38%Post-graduate: 20%
RaceWhite: 25% | Black: 52% | Hispanic: 15% | Asian: 8% | Two or more: 1%
Click on the link to view the schools’ Texas Education Agency ratings:
Ellis ElemNichols JHLarson ElemViridian ElemTexas Leadership of Arlington
Dwight D Eisenhower ElemTreetops School InternationalSherrod ElemPeach ElemSouth Euless Elem
Evan Marks is a Tarrant County College student. He’s lived in the Arlington neighborhood of Forest Hills since last spring.
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