Rockwall, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Barnes & Noble will open its new location in Rockwall, featuring author Amy Martin with a book-signing event for her nature guide ‘Wild DFW’. The grand opening includes presentations and displays from local nature organizations, aimed at connecting the community with regional natural history and conservation efforts. Attendees can learn about local ecosystems and outdoor opportunities in North Texas during this informative event.
Rockwall
Barnes & Noble grand opening in Rockwall set for Aug. 27 with author appearance and community exhibits
The new Barnes & Noble in the Plaza at Rockwall will mark its grand opening on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The opening will include a short presentation and a book-signing by local nature author Amy Martin, focused on her regional natural-history guide Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature In and Around Dallas-Fort Worth. The store is located at 1009 E. Interstate 30.
Key event details
The main activities planned for the two-hour opening are a brief talk from Amy Martin and an opportunity for attendees to have copies of Wild DFW signed. Several local nature organizations and experts will participate with displays and informational tables to highlight regional natural history and conservation efforts. The event is described as an occasion for residents to connect with local nature stewards and learn about ecosystems and outdoor opportunities in North Texas.
Featured participants and exhibits
- Dallas Paleontological Society representative Mick Tune will display fossils from the Ladonia Fossil Park dating between about 66 million and 145 million years old.
- Rockwall Butterfly Brigade will showcase local pollinator-garden projects and efforts to establish a community butterfly meadow.
- North Texas master naturalist Ted Zobeck and avian biologist Heather Bullock will provide insights on birding and local bird species.
About the book and author
Wild DFW was published by Timber Press and celebrated its two-year anniversary in July 2025. The guide has sold more than 6,000 copies in the region to date and was recognized with the 2024 Carroll Abbott Memorial Award from the Native Plant Society of Texas. This Rockwall Barnes & Noble is the fifth Barnes & Noble location Martin has opened in North Texas; Martin attributes much of the book’s regional sales success to visibility through the bookstore chain.
The book is organized into three sections, beginning with a primer on North Texas natural history and ecology. Topics covered include weather, geology, nighttime wildlife, and citizen science opportunities. The guide documents more than 100 species of native flora and fauna and outlines over 25 hiking adventures through varied ecosystems across the Dallas–Fort Worth area. Wild DFW also contains more than 350 color nature photographs and 40 detailed maps to aid readers in exploring local habitats. Cover art was created by muralist Mariell Guzman, noted for work that includes a piece at Meow Wolf Grapevine.
Context and community value
The opening provides a platform for local environmental groups, educators, and naturalists to engage the public. Displays and talks from paleontology, pollinator habitat, and birding experts aim to illustrate both deep-time and living aspects of the region’s natural history. The event is positioned as a local information hub for people interested in outdoor recreation, citizen science participation, and habitat stewardship across North Texas.
Logistics and attendance
The grand opening is scheduled for Aug. 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Plaza at Rockwall location, 1009 E. Interstate 30. Attendees should plan to arrive within the scheduled window to participate in the author talk and signings and to visit the exhibits hosted by local groups.
FAQ
- When and where is the grand opening?
- The grand opening is on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Barnes & Noble in the Plaza at Rockwall, 1009 E. Interstate 30.
- Who is appearing at the event?
- Author Amy Martin will give a short talk and sign copies of Wild DFW. Local experts and groups, including representatives from the Dallas Paleontological Society, Rockwall Butterfly Brigade, and local birding experts, will have exhibits and informational displays.
- What does Wild DFW cover?
- The book covers North Texas natural history and ecology, weather, geology, nighttime wildlife, citizen science, and regional flora and fauna. It includes site-based hiking guides, species profiles, photographs, and maps.
- How many copies has the book sold and has it won awards?
- The book has sold over 6,000 copies in the region and won the 2024 Carroll Abbott Memorial Award from the Native Plant Society of Texas.
- Who should attend the event?
- Residents interested in local natural history, outdoor recreation, birding, pollinator projects, fossils, and citizen-science activities are likely to find the event relevant. The event also provides opportunities to meet local nature stewards and learn about volunteer projects and local habitats.
- Is this Barnes & Noble the only location where Amy Martin has opened books?
- This Barnes & Noble is the fifth location in North Texas associated with Amy Martin’s book openings.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Grand opening date & time | Wednesday, Aug. 27, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| Location | Barnes & Noble, Plaza at Rockwall, 1009 E. Interstate 30 |
| Author | Amy Martin |
| Book title | Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature In and Around Dallas-Fort Worth |
| Publisher | Timber Press |
| Regional sales | More than 6,000 copies |
| Awards | 2024 Carroll Abbott Memorial Award |
| Book contents | 350+ photos, 40 maps, 100+ species, 25+ hikes |
| Local participants | Fossils, pollinator projects, birding experts |
| Barnes & Noble openings in North Texas by Martin | Five locations |
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Barnes & Noble Opens New Store in Rockwall Featuring Local Author
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