Meet ‘Ranger Amy’ at Landmark by Hillwood, she’s helping Denton discover the outdoors in a new way

At Landmark by Hillwood, a walk down the trail is rarely just a walk. It might mean learning to identify a bird overhead, discovering which animal left tracks along the dirt or finally feeling comfortable enough to pause and appreciate the wildlife calling the neighborhood home.

That’s the idea behind a new chapter of Lifestyle by Hillwood at Landmark, a 3,200-acre master-planned community in Denton where nature is woven directly into the design—and now, its daily programming.

Recently appointed, Amy Massingill serves as the first director of Wellness in Nature at Landmark by Hillwood. Known as “Ranger Amy,” Massingill brings more than two decades of outdoor education and recreation experience to help residents build a deeper, everyday connection with the land they call home.

Why make nature part of the lifestyle?

For Hillwood, Landmark’s lifestyle began taking shape before the first home was built.

During the community’s planning process, Hillwood brought together historians, architects, city officials, parks and recreation leaders, land experts and lifestyle professionals to study the land and determine how its natural character could shape the community.

At Landmark, that meant honoring the landscape rather than building over it. The 3,200-acre community includes rolling knobs, a preserved stretch of the Cross Timbers Forest and about 1,100 acres of parks, trails and wild spaces. Its planned 35-mile trail network will give residents plenty of opportunities to explore. But Hillwood wanted those spaces to be more than amenities.

“We don’t want to say we have trails and that’s the end of the story,” Senior Lifestyle Director Page Austin said. “We’ve got trails—and now we have someone who is going to guide you through them.”

That thinking helped lead to Massingill’s role, giving residents an expert who can help them better understand, experience and appreciate the land around them.

Who is Ranger Amy?

For Massingill, that deep connection to the outdoors started on a farm, where camping and fishing were simply part of growing up. That passion turned into a 14-year career running an outdoor education program at a YMCA camp, using nature as a living classroom for school-age children.

A certified Texas Master Naturalist with a master’s degree in recreation, Massingill brings a warm, approachable style to the neighborhood.

“Having someone in the community who can actually teach makes all the difference,” Massingill said. “People won’t naturally step outside their comfort zone without a little prompt. Whether it’s identifying animal tracks or helping someone feel safe around local wildlife, I’m here to give residents the exposure and confidence they need to explore.”

What will residents experience?

Massingill’s role is designed to activate Landmark’s natural spaces—from its trails and lakes to its neighborhood gathering spots. Guided hikes turn trail walks into hands-on lessons in native wildlife and tracking, while lakes and ponds provide natural backdrops for community fishing days and aquatic ecology lessons.

Massingill’s programming will also extend into Landmark’s broader amenities and the residential amenity center. Outdoor spaces will host activities such as Plant Bingo, art workshops using natural materials, outdoor fitness and live music on the lawn.

For kids, the upcoming Landmark Explorers program will offer a Junior Ranger experience with monthly adventures such as fishing, meeting local wildlife experts and earning collectible pins along the way.

“Nature has an incredible way of bringing people together, so some of life’s best moments happen outside—whether it’s watching a child discover wildlife for the first time, meeting a neighbor on a trail or simply slowing down long enough to appreciate the world around you,” Massingill said.

What happens when residents connect with the land?

For Massingill, the hope extends beyond getting people outside.

“I really want people to develop their own passion for nature,” Massingill said. “When residents understand and enjoy the landscape right outside their back door, it creates a genuine culture of stewardship. They care for the land because it’s an active part of their daily lives.”

Whether it’s keeping trails clear or understanding local ecosystems, Hillwood is building more than green space. The goal is to create a culture where neighbors connect with each other and the land they live on.

Ready to explore Landmark?

Landmark’s connection to nature continues to grow. Its trail network is expected to open to the public later this fall and eventually be mapped on the AllTrails app. Plans are also underway for a dedicated City of Denton park within the community.

Want a sneak peek? Landmark is hosting Lawn Fest from 3-6 p.m. Sept. 19. Open to the public, the event features model home tours across all nine featured builders, live music, a local pumpkin patch and a Highland cow.

Here are more ways to check out Landmark:

• Website: www.landmarkbyhillwood.com

• Address: 9018 Landmark Trail, Denton

• Phone: 940-291-4778

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