| MITCHELL COUNTY SPORTS COMPLEX AND POPPY MELLOW REHABILITATION SITE |
An acre of land at the Sports Complex has been put aside to reintroduce the Poppy Mallow plant in hopes that it will
regain some of its lost territory. In 1981, the Poppy Mellow was placed on the Endangered Species list. Salt cedars
have taken over a vast majority of the land where Poppy Mallows grew, causing the flower to fight for it's existence.
Mitchell County has teamed with Angelo State University Biology Department in an attempt to sustain the Poppy
Mallow by harvesting the seeds, which are nurtured in greenhouses at the university. When the seedlings are
healthy, they are reintroduced at the complex. The dedicated preserve is an educational tool for our local schools
and in recent years has been an active tourist attraction.
Each year, seed collection is taken from the Poppy Mallows that survive at the Sports Complex. Some of the seeds
are sent to The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center where they are planted and turned into seedlings to be
reintroduced at a later date. Some seeds are hand planted at the reintroduction area, while others go through the
natural process of falling to the
ground and growing into these beautiful flowers. It has not been an easy road for these lovely plants, but with
continued help from the people of Mitchell County, it is hoped that the Poppy Mallow will survive and thrive so that
future generations may bare witness to the beauty of this plant.
For more information about these gorgeous flowers, please visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
The Mitchell County Sports Complex is more then just a home
for the Wolves Baseball and Lady Wolves Softball teams. It's
also the home of the Texas Poppy Mallow.
This little flower has learned how to withstand the tough rugged
West Texas climate. The Poppy Mallow stands only 1.5 to 2.5
feet tall in full bloom, has a thick stem with a beautiful magenta
cup shaped blossom. There are only three Texas counties in
which this flower can grow: Coke, Runnels and Mitchell. The
reason these counties are so special is because of the Tivoli
sand that has been deposited along the banks of the Colorado
River which flows through the three counties.
for the Wolves Baseball and Lady Wolves Softball teams. It's
also the home of the Texas Poppy Mallow.
This little flower has learned how to withstand the tough rugged
West Texas climate. The Poppy Mallow stands only 1.5 to 2.5
feet tall in full bloom, has a thick stem with a beautiful magenta
cup shaped blossom. There are only three Texas counties in
which this flower can grow: Coke, Runnels and Mitchell. The
reason these counties are so special is because of the Tivoli
sand that has been deposited along the banks of the Colorado
River which flows through the three counties.
| Complex is located along Interstate 20 in Colorado City. The Sports Complex offers lighted Softball Fields, Baseball Field, Little League Field, and Soccer Fields. Playground equipment, a walking track and concession stand are located on the site. If you would like to rent the fields or have question regarding the Sports Complex, please contact our office at (325) 728-2298. |
| POPPY MaLLOWS |
| SPORTS COMPLEX |