Environment

Participate in the Audubon's Society's Citizen Science Program. Trinity River Audubon Center, 6500 Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas. Info, Sahar Sea: 214-309-5813. SSea@Audubon.org.

Story time features crafts, book reading, snack and butterfly release. $10/child, $8/member child. Adults pay regular admission.

Birders of all levels are welcome and needed to help in the Aubudon Society's annual bird count. Cedar Ridge Preserve, Cedar Hill State Park, Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center, Joe Pool Lake and the cities of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, DeSoto and Midlothian. Register required, Tania Homayoun: THomayoun@Audubon.org. 469-526-1986.

The Dallas Plan Commission is hosting a public hearing before it votes on whether to allow new gas drilling permits submitted by Trinity East to drill on Dallas parkland. Environmental groups, including Dallas Residents at Risk, are urging the public to voice their concerns about gas drilling at the meeting.

20th annual Winter SolstiCelebration featuring ritual, dance, magic, music, poetry, conscious movement, meditation and storytelling. This is the final year for the event. Bring a flashlight to participate in the return of the light ceremony. Bring food pantry and winter wear donations. Cost: Adults - $20/at the door, $17/advance. Children and seniors - $15/at the door, $13/ in advance.

Town hall with Rep. Rafael Anchia of Dallas (Sunset Advisory Committee) and Rep. Jim Keffer of Eastland (Energy Resources Committee) where you can voice opinions on the PUC and the Railroad Commission, regarding tar sands, fracking, etc. On Dec.19, testimony will be heard at the Capitol on Sunset* of above-mentioned agencies. This event is sponsored by the Dallas and Fort Worth Sierra Clubs, Public Citizen and others.

*Sunset of an agency deals with all aspects of an agency, how it does business with the public and private sector--even whether the entity as we know it should continue. This process only happens once every seven years.

Held Mondays Jan. 28-March 4. Learn practical best green living practices. Hear from experts in the field, view award-winning films, and meet local environmentalists. Volunteer to share Plano’s message of sustainable lifestyles. All shades of green are welcome. Free.

Former mayor of Austin, Will Wynn, will speak at the first of a four-part series. Contact: Brandy O'Quinn at 817-905-5200 or b.oquinn@urbanstrategiestx.com.

Green Corps hosts this workshop that aims to teach skills needed to promote social and environmental change. Contact: Lisa Trope at 301-318-3892 or Lisa@greencorps.org.

Jeff Corwin, a devoted conservationist known for his popular Animal Planet shows, including The Jeff Corwin Experience and Corwin’s Quest, will speak as part of the museum's Celebrity Lecture Series. $25.