Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is a shining example of what can be accomplished when creative and progressive thought is applied to a common goal. At the time of the park’s inception, the City of Plano was one of the most rapidly expanding communities in Texas. Facing the challenges of providing recreational needs to an ever-growing population, Arbor Hills was originally slated for sport field development. However, upon discovery of the park’s diverse natural ecology, coupled with remnant artifacts of its prior agrarian heritage, the design team and city realized that Arbor Hills should remain a natural area within the community. Today the park is a reminder of the community’s rich agrarian heritage, sharing the lost wonder and intricacies of its blackland prairie, upland forest, riparian habitats, and pond/ wetlands. Experience of Mike Fraze and Tary Arterburn and awards received while at mesa.