


Did you know..... The City of Mineola provides a free UT Health East Texas EMS subscription program for its residents who live inside the city limits! Complete the application here or give us a call for more information.

🌿 NatureFest 2026 is almost here! 🦅🐊
Get ready for a weekend of nature, adventure, wildlife, family fun and so much more at the beautiful Mineola Nature Preserve! Join us October 16 & 17 for NatureFest 2026 — a FREE, family-friendly event designed to get families outdoors, exploring and experiencing everything the Preserve has to offer.
This year’s NatureFest will be packed with live animals, Birds of Prey, The Creature Teacher, educational and interactive booths, nature activities, vendors, food, outdoor fun and more! Plus, start Saturday morning by hitting the trails for the Gator Run 5K at 8:00 a.m. 🐊🏃
Bring the kids, invite your friends and make plans to spend the weekend with us. There will be something to discover around every corner, and admission to NatureFest is FREE!
📅 October 16 & 17, 2026
📍 Mineola Nature Preserve
🎟️ FREE ADMISSION
Come explore, learn, play and make some great memories with us!
NatureFest 2026 — Where Nature, Adventure & Family Come Together. 🌲🦌🦅
See NatureFest details and updates here.

🐊 Register Now for the NatureFest Gator Run 5K!
Lace up your running shoes and hit the trails at the Mineola Nature Preserve for the Gator Run 5K Trail Run, kicking off NatureFest 2026!
The race begins at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17. Experience the beauty of the Preserve while taking on a fun trail run, then stick around and enjoy a full day of NatureFest activities, wildlife, vendors, food, family fun and more!
🌿 Saturday, October 17
🏃 Race starts at 8:00 a.m.
📍 Mineola Nature Preserve
Don’t wait—register today and join us on the trail!
Register for the Gator Run 5K
NatureFest 2026 — Where Nature, Adventure & Family Come Together.

Join us Saturday for the Iron Horse Fest Train from 11-3! Admission is FREE. See you soon.

🚛 TRASH COLLECTION NOTICE
Beginning tomorrow, Republic Services will have a new driver training on a side-load collection truck equipped with an automated arm.
The crew will service one side of the street at a time. Because of this, you may see the truck collect carts on the opposite side of the street and continue on without collecting yours. Please do not be concerned—they will return to service the other side of the street.
⏰ REMINDER: All trash carts must be placed at the curb by 6:00 AM on your scheduled collection day or the night before to ensure collection. Please leave your cart at the curb until it has been serviced. Thank you for your cooperation!

iNaturalist Big Butterfly Day at the Mineola Nature Preserve
Get outside and explore the beauty of the Mineola Nature Preserve during iNaturalist Big Butterfly Day! 🦋🌿
Join us for a Nature Walk at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12. Participants will meet at the Pavilion before heading out to explore the Preserve and discover butterflies and other wildlife along the way.
📅 Saturday, September 12
⏰ Nature Walk begins at 8:00 a.m.
📍 Meet at the Pavilion
Mineola Nature Preserve
1860 CR 2724, Mineola, TX 75773
Bring your walking shoes and come enjoy a beautiful morning in nature!


🌿🏃 NEW THIS YEAR AT NATUREFEST — THE GATOR RUN 5K! 🐊
Lace up your running shoes and kick off NatureFest 2026 with the Gator Run 5K Trail Run at the Mineola Nature Preserve!
📅 Saturday, October 17, 2026
⏰ Starts at 8:00 AM
📍 Mineola Nature Preserve
Run the trails, enjoy the beautiful outdoors, and then stick around for a full day of NatureFest fun for the entire family!
Where Nature, Adventure & Family Come Together.
🐊 More registration details coming soon!

NatureFest 2026 Raffle Tickets Are Here!
Support the Mineola Nature Preserve and enter for a chance to win some great prizes! All proceeds from the NatureFest 2026 Raffle directly benefit the Mineola Nature Preserve.
🎟️ Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20!
Prizes include a Heritage revolver, 4 Day Passes to Splash Kingdom in Canton, and a ½-Day Guided Fishing Trip on Lake Fork with Jeff Jones Fishing.
The winner of the revolver must be 21 or older and pass a background check.
Purchase your tickets and help support the Mineola Nature Preserve while getting your chance to win! 🌲🦌

🔥 Resiliency Tip: Wildfires 🔥
Wildfire smoke can affect air quality. Designate a clean-air room in your home and use an air purifier to help reduce indoor smoke exposure.
As part of the Moving Mineola 2045 Comprehensive Plan, we're sharing weekly resiliency tips to help build a safer, stronger community.
📲 Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/MINCOMPPLAN
#MovingMineola2045 #MineolaTX #Resiliency #WildfirePreparedness

Get Your Tickets for Rock the Pines!
Rock the Pines Christian Music Festival is coming to the Mineola Nature Preserve on September 5, 2026!
Get ready for a huge day of live music featuring Tauren Wells, Switchfoot, Colton Dixon, Terrian, Evan Craft and an incredible lineup of additional artists.
Make plans to join us in Mineola for an unforgettable day of music at the Nature Preserve!
Purchase Your Rock the Pines Tickets here!

Vendor registration is now open for NatureFest 2026, taking place October 16–17, 2026, at the beautiful Mineola Nature Preserve!
We're inviting vendors to be part of one of East Texas' premier outdoor family festivals. With thousands of visitors expected throughout the weekend, NatureFest is a great opportunity to showcase your products, connect with the community, and support this exciting event.
Vendor spaces are just $75 each.
If you're interested in participating, please review the attached vendor information and complete the application as soon as possible. Applications can be found here: https://form.jotform.com/252185602547054
Spaces are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. You will receive an email from me if approved and payment arrangements will be made at that time.
We hope you'll join us for a weekend where Nature, Adventure & Family Come Together!

🍂 SAVE THE DATE! 🍂
It’s almost time for Fall Clean Up Day!
📅 Saturday, September 19, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM–4:00 PM or until the dumpster is full
📍 Public Works Department | 1824 N. Pacific St.
Mineola residents, mark your calendars and start planning your fall clean out! 🧹🍁

🔥 Resiliency Tip: Wildfires 🔥
Create a defensible space around your home by clearing leaves, debris, and other flammable materials. Fire-resistant building materials can also help protect your property.
As part of the Moving Mineola 2045 Comprehensive Plan, we're sharing weekly resiliency tips to help build a safer, stronger community.
📲 Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/MINCOMPPLAN
#MovingMineola2045 #MineolaTX #Resiliency #WildfirePreparedness

⛈️ Resiliency Tip: Severe Storms ⛈️
Know the difference: A watch means conditions are possible. A warning means it's time to take action. Stay informed with weather alerts and local emergency notifications.
As part of the Moving Mineola 2045 Comprehensive Plan, we're sharing weekly resiliency tips to help build a safer, stronger community.
📲 Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/MINCOMPPLAN
#MovingMineola2045 #MineolaTX #Resiliency #SevereWeather

Looking for one last adventure before school starts? 🐦🌿
Get outside and have some fun with Texas Bird Bingo! It's a great way for kids and families to explore nature, spot local birds, and make the most of the final days of summer.
Bingo cards are available at:
Mineola City Hall
Mineola Chamber of Commerce
The Pavilion at the Mineola Nature Preserve
Once you've completed your card, visit https://www.texasbirdbingo.com/ for detailed instructions on how to submit your completed card.
Grab your bingo card, head out on an adventure, and see how many Texas birds you can find. Happy birding, and good luck!


🌊 Resiliency Tip: Flooding 🌊
Floodwater can contain sewage, chemicals, and hidden debris. Keep children and pets away from floodwater and muddy areas to help protect their health and safety.
As part of the Moving Mineola 2045 Comprehensive Plan, we're sharing weekly resiliency tips to help build a safer, stronger community.
📲 Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/MINCOMPPLAN
#MovingMineola2045 #MineolaTX #Resiliency #FloodSafety

NatureFest 2026 Sponsorships & Vendor Booths Now Available!
Planning is underway for NatureFest 2026, and we're excited to announce that sponsorship opportunities and vendor booth registrations are now open!
Join us for this FREE, family-friendly festival on October 16–17, 2026, at the Mineola Nature Preserve. Whether you're interested in showcasing your business as a sponsor or connecting with thousands of visitors as a vendor, we'd love to have you be part of this exciting weekend.
Vendor booths are just $75.
Learn more about sponsorship opportunities, vendor registration, and everything NatureFest has to offer by visiting:
NatureFest 2026 Information Page
NatureFest 2026 – Where Nature, Adventure & Family Come Together!


🌊 Resiliency Tip: Flooding 🌊
Protect your home before the next storm. Move valuables to higher levels, keep gutters and drains clear, and consider installing backflow valves or a battery-backed sump pump.
As part of the Moving Mineola 2045 Comprehensive Plan, we're sharing weekly resiliency tips to help build a safer, stronger community.
📲 Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/MINCOMPPLAN
#MovingMineola2045 #MineolaTX #Resiliency #FloodPreparedness
