Environment

UNTHSC is converting an unused piece of land into the campus' first community garden. You can help establish the garden on Feb. 15 by building the plots, regardless of whether you plan to get a plot of your own.

Build Day will be a group work-and-fun event. With guidance from experts, we'll build frames, fill them with soil, mulch pathways and share gardening wisdom. Weather permitting, if you've registered for a plot in the garden, you also could start your cold-season crop.

We especially need people with carpentry skills, but all hands will be appreciated.

At the site, a light breakfast will be provided as well as a Garden Ergonomics info session by Mike Richardson, PT, DPT, Assistant Professor, Physical Therapy. You'll also receive a goodie bag with small gifts.

An information/orientation session will be at 12 noon Tuesday, Feb. 11 in Everett 524. All who are interested in the garden - Build Day volunteers, plot registrants and "undecideds" - are urged to attend. You may bring your lunch.

The only thing Molly likes more that chocolate cake is to see a gigantic pile of privet, so let's give her her wish. You may come and go, work or goof off; you decide. Lunch and cake at Mijo's at 12:30 pm. 

What to Bring - If you have loppers, bring them. What to Wear - Long sleeves and pants, gloves, hat and a smile.

The event will feature green vendors, entertainment, raffle and prizes. Learn ways to invest in a sustainable future, improve daily living and save money by going green. K thru 6 graders can bring juice pouches for a chance to win an Apple iPad.

Free. info@texasgreenfest.com

Feb. 2 is known in the U.S. as Groundhog Day. Well, the FWNC does not have Puxsatawney Phil or General Beauregard, but they have prairie dogs and they are declaring it Prairie Dog Day at the Nature Center. Learn about these social animals. Hike through their habitat and learn about the prairie and visit with the dogs of the Prairie. Free with paid admission ($3-$5).

Join FWNC&R director and plant ecologist Suzanne Tuttle for a 2.5 mile trail hike around the Refuge. Learn to identify deciduous trees and shrubs in winter by their growth habits, bark, twigs, buds and leaf scars. Pre-registration required. $10 (includes admission fee).

Kim Mote, assistant director of code compliance for the city of Fort Worth and a past president of the Texas Product Stewardship Council, will give an overview of product recycling and take-back efforts in the state and a peek at the environmental quality chapter of the city's soon-to-be-unveiled 2014 Comprehensive Plan.

Information sessions for Solarize Plano Project participants and interested persons. A residential "Solar 101" will be presented as well as a review of the project timeline and key next steps.

Fort Worth greenies get together for informal gathering. Info: Cheryl L. Marchand, cherylmarchand@sbcglobal.net or 817-896-6041.

UPDATE: Cancelled due to weather.

One day a year, Friends of Tandy Hills Natural Area with help from the city of Fort Worth Parks and Community Services Department hosts a Brush Bash to clear sections of the prairie of invasive and unwanted trees, brush and trash. The brush has been cut and will be ready for volunteers to drag to waiting trucks for delivery to a composting facility. 

Bring gloves, sturdy shoes, hat, water, lunch, tarps and small wagons. Coffee, tea & morning snacks provided. RSVP: Don Young, donyoungglass@earthlink.net

Martha Ohlson, Sierra Club outings leader and extreme backpacker, will share her recent treks across Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. Free.