Page 57 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2026 - Online Magazine

LOCAL HISTORY

of the trail, and efforts to raise funds to rebuild it are
underway. All trails are accessible only during the
Landmark’s regular operating hours.

The Night Hike program lets visitors explore the
Landmark after dark. Night-blooming wildflowers
and nocturnal animals can be seen. The Landmark’s
education staff provides classes for children during
spring break and summer.
As you think about the history of our country, we
encourage you to spend some time at the Landmark
to examine a much deeper history. On June 28, Sally
Shelton, who teaches preventive conservation in Texas
Tech’s Heritage and Museum Science master’s degree
program will offer some tips to the public on how to
The Landmark is also a nature preserve. Covering care for your objects during “SOS: Saving our Stuff.”
336 acres, only about five percent of the site has been The Landmark will host Archaeology in Action days
excavated. The rest of the acreage has been revitalized July 16, 17, & 18 featuring guided tours and programs
to a native mixed-grass prairie as it might have been for adults and children.
in the late 1800s. Crews have removed invasive plants,
allowing native plants and trees to return. In the spring For more information about the Landmark, call 806
and summer, the prairie is a brilliantly colored blanket 742-1116 or visit lubocklake.ttu.edu.
of dozens of wildflower species. The mixed-grass
prairie also protects wildlife. The Texas Horned Lizard, All photos are by Kippra Hopper.
best known as the horny toad, is listed as a threatened
species, but it has made a comeback at the Landmark.
Deer, squirrels, grey and red foxes, and coyotes have
also moved into the area.

Education and public outreach have been tenets of
the Landmark since its discovery in 1936. As both an
archaeological research center and a natural history
preserve, the Landmark is a living textbook. Teachers
from Texas Tech University and other schools bring
classes to the Landmark. The Nash Interpretative
Center presents exhibits that explain human habitation
through the years. Life-size statues of five Ice Age
animals surround the interpretative center, serving as
both educational pieces and public art.
Public guided tours are available. Exploring on your
own is also encouraged through the Landmark’s trails.
The trails are well-marked and maintained, and
each offers informational signs and benches. The
longest trail, the Nature Trail, covers three and
12,000 Years of History
a half miles of rolling terrain. A two-and-a-half- 12,000 Years of History
mile version of this trail is available. The half-mile ... and Still Discovering!
... and Still Discovering!
Archaeological Trail allows visitors to stroll around
areas under excavation. During the July-August LUBBOCK LAKE
excavation season, this trail encourages visitors NATIONAL HISTORIC
to stop and watch active excavations. The Llano LANDMARK
Estacado Wildflower Trail is ADA-accessible but is
currently closed. Vandals destroyed a large section
806-742-1116
www.lubbocklake.ttu.edu

Lubbock Senior Link 57