Conservation

Meetings are free and open to the public.

The North Texas Renewable Energy Group Meeting topic is "Geothermal Energy Development in Texas," presented by Maria Richards, Southern Methodist University Geothermal Lab Coordinator.This is a presentation about generating electricity through the use of geothermal energy in Texas, not a discussion of ground-source heat-pumps or air conditioning.

The North Texas Renewable Energy Group Meeting topic is "Solar Photovoltaics in the 21st Century - An in-depth look at solar electricity ... so far..." Jim Duncan, founder of NTREG, will present a brief history of photovoltaics (solar electricity); compare different photovoltaic technologies; cover emerging technologies; and discuss the return on investment vs. payback, federal investment tax credit and grants. Free.

Class will cover complete rainwater harvesting system, including calculation, construction and drip irrigation. Free. Registration required. Space is limited but new places have opened up. http://dallas.tamu.edu/courses/2013/january-31,-2013-rain-water-harvest…

Screening is hosted by the Green Sanctuary Committee at Westside UU. "Last Call at the Oasis" sheds light on the vital role water plays in our lives, exposes the defects in the current system and introduces those who are championing new solutions. Popcorn provided. Free. For more information, email Linda at llswenson@yahoo.com. http://www.lastcallattheoasis.com/

A couple who built a straw bale home in Grayson County will be the speakers for this month's Dallas Sierra Club meeting.

Join the Dallas Historic Tree Coalition for its monthly meeting. No dues. Info@dhtc.org.

Learn about the quality of Irving’s creeks, ponds, streams, and the Trinity River at stream sampling demonstrations every third Saturday of the month at five convenient locations throughout the city. Watch a representative of the Texas Stream Team program perform basic water quality testing and data gathering at the water’s edge and learn how to keep an eye on water quality and our environment, obtain training and become a part of the long-term stream monitoring in Irving.

10 to 11 a.m.:
North Sundance Canal,
Red River Trail at Casa Drive
(meet at the far 5756 Riverside Drive).

11 a.m. to noon:
Bird's Fort Trail Park (meet at the river's edge behind the pavilion),
5756 Riverside Drive.

1 to 2 p.m.:
Jaycee Park,
1975 Puritan Drive (meet at the low-water crossing).

2 to 3 p.m.:
Centennial Park,
444 W. Second St. (meet at the low-water crossing beneath Sixth St.)
Convenient parking is located just east of the bridge on Sixth St.

3 to 4 p.m.:
Towne Lake Park,
800 Esters Road (meet at the Gazebo)