Environment

Join the Sierra Club for Ken Burns' Yosemite: A Gathering of Spirit, a documentary film produced to honor the 150th anniversary of the landmark federal act signed by Abraham Lincoln that preserved Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. This act, the first time a government set aside land for public use and enjoyment, gave birth to the national park idea. This inspirational film brings to life an amazing time in America's conservation history. All welcome. Free. Info: Kirk Miller, 972-699-1687 or  KirkMiller@DallasSierraClub.org.

Denton's successful citizens revolt is off the streets for now and in the courts. The next organized front in the battle over urban gas drilling in DFW is the Fort Worth suburb of Mansfield. And hard-pressed residents there need your help in turning the tide.

In response to months of grassroots effort on the ground, and only after the very first presentation by a physician on the medical consequences of fracking, Mansfield's city council has called for a "work session" to "discuss" changing its circa-2009 drilling ordinance for next week.

Showing up next Wednesday means you're saying no to the bullying tactics the Mansfield city government are using to silence local residents. 

READ MORE FROM DOWNWINDERS AT RISK

Solar advocates are encouraged to speak at a public hearing prior to the NRH City Council vote on a new solar ordinance. 

READ THE GREENSOURCEDFW STORY

Solar advocate info: Dan Lepinski, dan@ntree.org

Visit our closest national wildlife refuge, Hagerman Wildlife Refuge, which is only 1.5 hours from Fort Worth and offers wildlife viewing and hiking trails in a unique setting. It was set aside in 1946 primarily as a resting place for geese and ducks, and includes nearly 13,000 acres of habitat adjacent to Lake Texoma. This trip gives us a chance to explore how federal lands are leased for various purposes, as you will note after seeing oil wells on this property. The refuge is located about 65 miles northeast of Fort Worth near Gainesville TX. 

In the morning we will explore the park on foot on the park’s hiking trails. Bring a sack lunch for a group picnic after the hike. After lunch we will take a guided tour of the refuge via tram with a refuge bird expert for approximately 1 – 1.5 hrs, and view a Powerpoint presentation about the refuge. Optional stop on the way home at the famous Clark’s Outpost BBQ in Tioga, TX.  

The 115th annual Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for Dec. 14, 2014 to Jan. 5, 2015. Organized by the National Audubon Society, this all-volunteer effort takes a snapshot of bird populations to monitor their status and distribution across the Western Hemisphere. The results are compiled into a database that is shared with federal, state and private authorities.

Counts are open to birders of all skill levels. Novices are placed in groups with more experienced birders. New to CBCs? Join us in the fun! 

The Fort Worth CBC will be held on Saturday, Dec, 20. If you would like to join a particular area please reach out to the leader of that area. Info: Mary Lee Johnson at birder76051@yahoo.com to be placed on a team.

The North Texas Electric Auto Association’s goal is to support local EV enthusiasts and to promote and educate the public regarding the benefits of electric vehicles.

All monthly meetings are free to attend and open to the public.

Presentation by Laura D. Mydlarz, associate professor, Department of Biology UT Arlington. Part FWMSH's ongoing PUBlic Knowledge series. Free.

The Native Prairies Association of Texas has launched a chapter in Fort Worth. Prairie enthusiasts, master naturalists, bird watchers, landowners, educators and anyone else interested in prairies is welcome. 

Info: Jo Ann Collins, joacollins@gmail.com or 817-689-0098.

Club members and guests will share the holiday spirit, some great Mexican food and the company of others at this annual event. Join us for some camaraderie, door prizes, silent auction and perhaps some surprise speakers, you never know. We'll celebrate some of our outstanding volunteers and have plenty of time to mingle. There's bound to be talk about issues of the day – air, water, fracking, coal, nuclear, whatever strikes your green fancy. The entire menu will be available so you can order whatever you want to eat or drink, including liquid spirits. We'll provide a free round of margaritas. Support the Club by getting a 2014 Sierra Club Calendar or Planner. Invite your family and friends. So come on out for a great party, low price, no clean up and lots of like minded people.

This newly formed chapter is a branch of the Native Prairies Association of Texas and will represent 13 Blackland counties: Collin, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Henderson, Hunt, Kaufman, Lamar, Navarro, Rains, Rockwall and Van Zandt.

Info: Leigh Ann Ellis, laellis55@aol.com or 214-321-7159