Tucked away behind the train tracks, the bustle of downtown Arlington and UT Arlington commuter traffic, the O.S. Gray Natural Area offers 20 acres of trees and trails to explore.

Paula Harbour, a member of the Friends of O.S. Gray, said the group is trying to preserve the natural area and keep invasive species from taking over the land.

The group hosts work days on the second Saturday of each month, and Harbour said volunteers of all ages show up to roll up their sleeves and make a difference.

"We've got to make our young people say they're stewards of the earth," Harbour said. "We won't be here to see the results but we can see the work we're doing now."

Recent volunteer efforts resulted in freshly mulched footpaths and three wooden benches for visitors.

UTA Volunteers, a service organization at UT Arlington, removed privet at OS Gray this semester as well.

Laura Lopez, the animals and environment director for UTA Volunteers, said that not enough people recognize environmental problems.

"Some people see it as 'nature can take care of itself,'" she said. "We need to work on these problems because this is our home."

To join the Friends of O.S. Gray in their beautification efforts, visit their Facebook page or the Arlington Parks and Recreation website.