Environment

Alternative Fuels and Your Fleet: What Do You Need to Consider? is hosted by the National Truck Equipment Association. If you manage or rely on fleets for your business, it is important for you to understand technical, regulatory, environmental and energy issues; economic costs, benefits and challenges that affect current and anticipated alternative fuels; Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs); and the U.S. refueling infrastructure.

This COMPLIMENTARY 45-minute webinar will address:
The current industry status of:
• Natural Gas Vehicles
• Propane Vehicles
• Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
• Biodiesel Vehicles

AFV Advantages and Disadvantages:
• Lower fuel costs (but not always)
• Energy independence
• Greenhouse gas reductions
• Lifecycle cost analysis
• Lack of infrastructure
• Performance compromise (e.g., range, power, etc.)

This Saturday, Dallas Residents at Risk will protest a city ordinance that could allow fracking in Dallas parks. Concerned citizens are invited to join the rally at Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake at 9 a.m. and Valley View Park, 6950 Valley View Lane, at 11 a.m. Look for the mock 15-foot drilling rig.

The middle of October is the best time to find monarch butterflies here in North Central Texas. As they travel to their winter home in Mexico, monarchs stop for food and water. They particularly like the Liatris flowers found on the prairie here at the Refuge. Help us to find out how many are pausing for a rest here at the Refuge by participating in our monarch count this year. Collect a tally sheet at the gatehouse beginning at 8 a.m. and we will compile our findings at 1 p.m. at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center along with a short natural history presentation.

Enter the world of the majestic and massive Quercus family (oaks). Come along as we hike and learn about the diversity of the oak family, their recognizable fruits and remarkable uniqueness. $5 (with paid admission)/ MEMBERS FREE.

Every fall, birds make their annual movement from the North. The Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is a great home for these weary travelers. With the milder temperatures and abundance of food, Spotted Towhee, Fox Sparrow and American White Pelicans make their home on the Refuge. Join us as we hike around and search for these winter residents. $5 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS FREE.

This family-friendly celebration features opportunities to explore nearly 100 cultures through an ethnic food court, multicultural music and dance performances, cultural displays, original works or art by local artists, and a host of free, hands-on educational activities for children and a green village.

The Plano International Festival aims to be a Zero Waste event. It was awarded the 2008, 2010 and 2011 City of Plano EnvironmentalStar of Excellence Award and was a Green Source DFW Environmental Leadership Awards Finalist.

The Flower Mound Public Library will host the family-friendly “Bring Back the Monarchs. ”Monarch Watch volunteer Jenny Singleton will discuss the migratory patterns of the Monarchs, its biology, and beneficial plants for the butterfly. “Bring Back the Monarchs” is sponsored by Monarch Watch, The Flower Mound Foundation, Keep Flower Mound Beautiful and The Native Plant Society of Texas (Trinity Forks Chapter). Register for this free event by calling the library at 972-874-6165.

Michael Fazi is raising funds for his Eagle Scout project by hosting a Spaghetti Dinner. Dinner is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

All proceeds from the dinner and all donations will go to support the construction of an outdoor classroom in Tandy Hills Natural Area. (See http://tandyhills.org/)

The eight new benches will be used for the Kids On the Prairie Program, which introduces city school kids to the wonders of nature.

Hosted by Tarrant County Greenweavers. Energy Efficiency is coming to our homes and businesses whether we like it or not. Learning about why this is the case and what some strategies we can implement will put us on a proactive standing, rather than a reactive stance.

Green Movie Night: The film takes the viewer on a journey through the catastrophic disappearance of bees.