Rockwall, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Barnes & Noble’s grand opening in Rockwall will showcase author Amy Martin, who will present her book and sign copies. The event highlights local nature groups and their conservation efforts. Attendees can expect discussions on regional ecology, fossil displays, and more. The opening aims to combine community engagement with a celebration of local literature and nature.
Rockwall — The grand opening of a new Barnes & Noble store in Rockwall will feature author Amy Martin as the headline guest on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will include a short talk by Martin followed by a book signing. The store is located in the Plaza at Rockwall at 1009 E. Interstate 30.
What to expect at the opening
The evening will pair the bookstore opening with local nature-focused programming. Amy Martin, author of Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature In and Around Dallas-Fort Worth, will give a brief presentation about the book and the region’s natural features before signing copies. Local nature groups and specialists will set up displays and offer educational demonstrations, highlighting Rockwall’s ecological resources and community conservation efforts.
Featured local participants
Several community and scientific groups will participate in the opening event. A representative from the Dallas Paleontological Society will display fossils from the Ladonia Fossil Park, with specimens dating approximately 66 to 145 million years. The Rockwall Butterfly Brigade will present its work on pollinator gardens and plans for a local butterfly meadow. North Texas master naturalist Ted Zobeck and avian biologist Heather Bullock will be on hand to discuss birding opportunities and local bird species.
About the book
Wild DFW is published by Timber Press and was a 2024 recipient of the Carroll Abbott Memorial Award from the Native Plant Society of Texas. The book celebrated its two-year anniversary in July 2025 and has sold more than 6,000 copies in the region. The guide is organized into three main sections: an overview of North Texas natural history and ecology; exploration of natural phenomena and habitats; and detailed information on more than two dozen hiking trails in the area. The book contains over 350 color photographs and 40 detailed maps illustrating diverse local habitats. The cover art was created by muralist Mariell Guzman, who is also known for work at Meow Wolf Grapevine.
Logistics and accessibility
The grand opening is scheduled for a weekday evening to encourage community attendance. The program format includes a short author talk followed by a signing session. The event will feature displays and hands-on elements from participating groups; attendees should expect to encounter informational tables and specimen displays. Specific ticketing, registration, or capacity information was not provided; entry appears to be open to the public during the posted hours. The venue address is 1009 E. Interstate 30, Plaza at Rockwall.
Why this matters locally
The combination of a bookstore opening and a nature-focused program ties a retail milestone to local environmental education. The presence of regional experts and volunteer groups provides an opportunity for residents to learn about natural history, local conservation projects, and outdoor recreation options. The fossil display connects contemporary natural history interest to deep-time geology, while pollinator and bird-focused exhibits emphasize current habitat and species concerns.
Additional context about the author and book
Amy Martin’s guide aims to make North Texas natural history and outdoor exploration accessible to a broad audience by combining photographic documentation, trail descriptions, and ecological context. The book’s regional recognition and award from the Native Plant Society of Texas reflect local professional endorsement, and sales figures indicate sustained interest in the subject across the Dallas–Fort Worth area. The book’s visual and cartographic content supports self-guided outings, educational programming, and local conservation engagement.
Event summary
- What: Barnes & Noble Rockwall grand opening with author talk and book signing
- Who: Amy Martin (author) and local nature groups including Dallas Paleontological Society, Rockwall Butterfly Brigade, and regional naturalists
- When: Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Where: Plaza at Rockwall, 1009 E. Interstate 30
- Featured book: Wild DFW — Timber Press; 350+ color photographs; 40 maps; 2+ years since publication; 6,000+ regional sales; 2024 Carroll Abbott Memorial Award
FAQ
- When and where is the event?
- The grand opening and author event will be held Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Barnes & Noble in the Plaza at Rockwall, 1009 E. Interstate 30.
- Who is Amy Martin and what is the book about?
- Amy Martin is the author of Wild DFW, a regional guide that covers North Texas natural history, ecological features, and more than two dozen hiking trails. The book includes photographs, maps, and practical information for exploring local nature.
- Will there be a book signing?
- Yes. The schedule includes a short talk by the author followed by a book signing during the event hours.
- What local groups will participate?
- Participating groups include the Dallas Paleontological Society (fossil displays), the Rockwall Butterfly Brigade (pollinator and meadow projects), and local naturalists and avian specialists discussing birding and species in the region.
- Is there an admission fee?
- No admission fee was announced; the event is being held during the store’s grand opening hours and is open to the public.
- How recent and popular is the book?
- Wild DFW marked its two-year anniversary in July 2025, has sold over 6,000 copies regionally, and received the 2024 Carroll Abbott Memorial Award from the Native Plant Society of Texas.
- What scientific exhibits will be shown?
- Fossils from Ladonia Fossil Park will be displayed, with specimens dating roughly 66 to 145 million years, alongside educational exhibits on pollinators and birds.
Key event features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Wednesday, August 27, 2025 — 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Location | Plaza at Rockwall, 1009 E. Interstate 30 |
| Author | Amy Martin — author of Wild DFW |
| Book highlights | 350+ color photos, 40 maps, 3 thematic sections, 2+ dozen trails |
| Awards & Sales | 2024 Carroll Abbott Memorial Award; 6,000+ regional sales; 2-year anniversary in July 2025 |
| Local participants | Dallas Paleontological Society, Rockwall Butterfly Brigade, North Texas naturalists, avian biologist |
| Special exhibits | Fossils (66–145 million years), pollinator garden projects, birding demonstrations |
| Publisher & cover art | Timber Press; cover art by Mariell Guzman |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Rockwall Herald Banner
- Blue Ribbon News
- World Atlas
- Wikipedia: Nature
- Google Search: North Texas natural history
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