Denton County is known for being like a small-scale model of North Texas: a colorful mix of rural and urban life. In the coming years, the former may be giving way to the latter.
Multiple government proposals aim to address housing and infrastructural issues facing the seventh largest county in Texas by bringing more concrete, buildings, noise, and busyness to rural areas. Some residents seek to preserve the refuge of nature and small-town charm enjoyed for generations.
Argyle, Texas — Texas Longhorns enjoy an evening meal at Storage King USA on Highway 377. The roadside business keeps the cattle out front to fit in with the feel of Argyle, which has several farms and ranches.
Argyle, Texas — Crowds of people arrive for an afternoon Mass at St. Mark's Catholic Church, surrounded by homes within a short walking distance. The towering, 34,000 square-foot building was dedicated in April by a local bishop after St. Mark's had used shared facilities for more than 30 years. Its construction is one of many signs of increasing urbanization in Denton County.
Aubrey, Texas — Drivers race down West Sherman Drive, past the Greenbelt Trail, a path stretching from Ray Roberts Lake State Park in Aubrey down to Clear Creek in Denton. The county is considering whether to pave another highway alongside Sherman Drive, in part to relieve traffic congestion. Years of study and public meetings will take place before the plan is finalized.
Denton, Texas — A sign marks the end of Farris Road, where more roadway is set to be constructed as part of the extension of West Windsor Road miles away.
Denton, Texas — Denton residents protest long-term proposed plans for housing developments over the Northeast part of the city. Signs urging, “Save Hartlee Field and Northeast Denton” and “Say no to Orion and Nanban Apartments” stand in front of several properties. A typical walk through this rural neighborhood comes with only a few sounds: the “cock-a-doodle-doo" of a rooster and other barnyard calls, the wind, buzzing insects, chirping birds, and the occasional vehicle bumping down the pothole-filled roads.
Denton, Texas — Lush green landscape stretches for miles in the rural area of Northeast Denton. Much of it could become fair game for bulldozers and construction crews — a necessary sacrifice to deal with fast population growth, city officials argue.
Denton, Texas — A cyclist enjoys the quiet solitude of pedaling down Hartlee Field Road on a Monday afternoon. About a mile behind the rider is a mountain biking trail that opened in November 2021. It now falls within Denton’s 8,540-acre development plan.
Denton, Texas — A Checkered White butterfly feeds off of tiny flowers at the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center. Denton's Northeast plan technically does not touch the creek, but some fear that surrounding projects could still disturb nature.
Denton, Texas — Visitors spend time with loved ones at the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center, which the city of Denton has overseen since 1999. The center marks a historic stretch of wildlife and forestry older than Denton County. Clear Creek itself was once a valuable resource for Native American tribes and European settlers.
Denton, Texas — Several signs and exhibits educate Clear Creek visitors on the rich environment of delicate life surrounding them — and what they must do to preserve it.