Conservation

Xerces Pollinator Conservation Specialist Anne Stine is excited to be working with the local naturalist community and the Fort Worth Nature Center to coordinate this year's summer butterfly count! Annual butterfly counts were initiated by the Xerces Society in 1974. Now maintained by NABA, these counts are intended to track changes in the butterfly community over time. 2015 is the 24th consecutive year that this count has been conducted in Tarrant County.

Advanced amateur lepidopterists will be on hand to guide 'apprentices' in the count methodology and identification. NABA's censuses take place over the course of one day within a 15-mi diameter. The count will start at the Nature Center and see how much ground it can cover. A minimum of 4 volunteers and 6 observation hours are needed to meet NABA guidelines. Volunteers do not need to commit 6 hours individually.

Volunteers should wear comfortable shoes and bring water, a sun hat, sunscreen, bug repellent, and paper + writing utensil(s) for their tally. Guide books and binoculars are also recommended.

Rain date: July 12th.

Guest speaker Ricky Bradley, the Regional Coordinator, Group Leader and Information Technology Director of the local office of Citizens Climate Lobby.  

The Cross Timbers Sierra Club leadership committee will also have an update on legislative items concerning fracking and other issues, an opportunity to help save sea turtles affected by the 2010 BP Gulf oil spill, and how you can donate recyclable items to Terra Cycle and help raise funds for the group.

Info: Co-chairpersons Brandon Morton at brandonmorton@gmail.com or Harrison Wicks at harrisonwicks@gmail.com, or the Communications and Membership Coordinator Brandi Price at brandireneeprice@gmail.com. 

A conference that includes experts from across the state and nation who will discuss ways to successfully manage wildlife issues. Topics include coyotes, bobcats, birds, bats, small mammals, snakes and diseases associated with wildlife. This promises to be a fact-filled day.

The conference is geared to anyone working with or interested in managing wildlife populations.

Lunch is included when you register before July 23.

Attendees certified with the Texas Animal Control Association (TACA) will receive CEU credit for attending the conference. CEU credits will also be available for technicians and certified applicator’s licensed with the Texas Department of Agriculture and Structural Pest Control Service

$30. Seating is limited so pre-register by July 23, 2015. 

Info: janet.hurley@agnet.tamu.edu

Dr. Fouad Jaber, PE of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension & Research, will explore the design, installation and benefits of green roof systems and permeable pavement parking lots in the DFW area. The workshop will include a tour of demonstration green roofs as well as four different types of permeable pavement installations. Target audiences include engineers, planners, landscape architects, contractors, stormwater professionals and interested public.

Free.

"Introduction to the Texas Solar Power Association - History and Trends of Solar Energy in Texas, and Updates from the 2015 Legislative Session."

Presenter: Charlie Hemmeline, Executive Director of the Texas Solar Power Association. 

Public welcome.

The four-acre native prairie is near the Frankford Church and Frankford Cemetery.

Master naturalist Rich Jaynes will lead the tour, identifying the summative plants in bloom. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the rare four-acre remnant of the Blackland Prairie.

Please click on the link below to reserve your spot.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b45a8ab2da1fa7-summer

Learn about BRIT’s research programs, herbarium, libraries, educational programs and sustainable building. BRIT is green from the ground up; learn how and why as you tour BRIT's amazing LEED platinum home. The Fort Worth Sierra Club will be joining a public tour that is given the first Saturday of each month. Must RSVP before July 1. RSVPs will be closed after that date. Meet at the main entrance. Info: Diane Lancaster, at dianelan@gmail.com or 817-845-4139.  

Bumble bees are important pollinators in both natural and agricultural systems. Unfortunately, they are declining worldwide; in Texas, five of our eight documented species have experienced range reductions in other parts of the United States. This program will include information on the natural history of bumble bees, identification of common species in north Texas, ongoing research at the University of North Texas, and ways that individuals can help to conserve these vital resources.

Speaker Bio: Jessica Beckham is currently a Ph.D candidate in environmental science at the University of North Texas. Her research involves an interdisciplinary approach to studying the bumble bees of this great state. She is broadly interested in conserving these native pollinators and finding ways that humans and bumble bees may coexist in an increasingly urbanized world. Her current projects involve evaluating the presence and persistence of bumble bees across northeast Texas and studying the use of urban green spaces by bumble bees in Denton County.

The follow up movie to the classic "Who Killed the Electric Car" is about the remarkable return of the electric car and four entrepreneurs who drove it.

FWLNA welcomes Zac Trahan, director of Texas Campaign for the Environment’s DFW office, to discuss local impacts of the recent Texas Legislature.

He will speak specifically on HB 40, legislation providing that the state has preemption authority over oil and gas regulations. The new law holds that current and proposed city and other  political subdivision ordinances that place regulations on oil and gas activities are only allowed if they are commercially reasonable.

There will also be an overview of the legislative session as a whole and its impact on cities and neighborhoods.