Environment

Todd Ethridge, Water Programs Coordinator at the Fort Worth Nature Center will speak on Trinity River: A Legacy Of Life. This program is an overview of the natural and cultural history of the Trinity River. Todd is an American Canoe Association certified kayak instructor and has been canoeing and kayaking for over 35 years. He has intimate knowledge of the Trinity River. The speaker is followed by refreshments and announcements. Socialize with members after the meeting at Gingerman. All are welcome.

The primary goal of sustainable architecture is to consume fewer resources. How can this be reconciled with a culture and economy that measures its vitality in terms of how quickly consumption can be grown?

Panelists: Benje Feehan, Assoc. AIA, bcWorkshop; Larry Good, FAIA, Good Fulton & Farrell; and Monica Heid, AICP, Community Projects Manager, Richardson.
Cost: $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
Appetizers and drinks served.

The Dallas City Council will receive its second briefing about the Gas Drilling Task Force and its recommendations for the new city ordinance to govern fracking operations. Mayor Rawlings and Council members will hear presentations from those seeking to strengthen the proposed ordinance—and from others seeking to weaken it. Residents should attend to demonstrate support for protecting public health and our quality of life!

“Trashing Our Treasure” Photography Exhibit at Dallas City Hall, Main Lobby July 16-August 10, 2012

 Dallas, TX, July 15, 2012 – Shared FUEL, a Dallas-based sustainable nonprofit, today announced that “Trashing Our Treasure,” a photography exhibit of litter at White Rock Lake, will be displayed in the main lobby of Dallas City Hall from July 16 through August 10.  The event is free and open to the public.

Designed to educate, inform and motivate individuals to be aware of the environmental consequences of litter on our green public places, “Trashing Our Treasure” debuted during last year’s centennial celebration of White Rock Lake.  The exhibit focuses on unnatural predators, such as styrofoam, plastics, aluminum cans and glass, that accumulate along the shoreline, particularly during storm events, and encroach upon the area’s wildlife habitats.

Saving from a Rainy Day - Making a Rain Barrel
Tuesday, August 14, 2012     6:30 - 8:30 PM

Sponsor:  Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Urban Solutions Center

Dr. Dotty Woodson, Extension Program Specialist - Water Resources will be teaching this class and will provide participants the opportunity to construct a 55 gallon rain barrel as well as discuss installing an efficient irrigation system.  The rain barrel* is yours to take home!

Cost:  $50.00 each barrel (covers cost of rain barrel and materials)

*Rain barrels measure 24 inches in diameter and 36 inches tall.  Please bring a vehicle large enough to haul your rain barrel(s) home.

Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center
Whitehurst Atrium
17360 Coit Road
Dallas, Texas 75252

Information and to register on-line at http://dallas.tamu.edu/ 

SKY EVENTS

Join the Noble Planetarium staff and members of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society for free monthly Star Parties. You’ll find plenty of telescopes for viewing and even more astronomy buffs to help you navigate your way through the skies. Star Parties are held once a month held in front of the Museum, on Gendy Street. The party begins at dusk, weather permitting, and lasts until approximately 10:30 p.m. Best of all, it’s FREE! Note, parking is available in the lot south of Harley Street.

Dates for 2012 star parties:

• September  22

• October 6     "Stars over Euless"

• November 17

*To be held in the Museum Lot, directly south of the Museum (corner of Harley and Montgomery)

SKY EVENTS

Join the Noble Planetarium staff and members of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society for free monthly Star Parties. You’ll find plenty of telescopes for viewing and even more astronomy buffs to help you navigate your way through the skies. Star Parties are held once a month held in front of the Museum, on Gendy Street. The party begins at dusk, weather permitting, and lasts until approximately 10:30 p.m. Best of all, it’s FREE! Note, parking is available in the lot south of Harley Street.

Dates for 2012 star parties:

• August 25

• September  22

• October 6     "Stars over Euless"

• November 17

*To be held in the Museum Lot, directly south of the Museum (corner of Harley and Montgomery)

Science Saturdays include the following:

• Plant Identification Clinic – bring that mysterious plant that’s growing in your backyard and our botanists will tell you what it is.
• Demonstrations of BRIT’s digital herbarium.
• BRIT’s Plant Preservation Studio – See how scientists create herbarium specimens.
• BRIT Library reading room and Burk Children’s Library – visit two of the most renowned botanical libraries in the Southwest.
• BRIT Press publications will be on display and available for purchase.
• Saturday guided tours of the Herbarium and Library will be provided at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.