Environment

Twelve Hills Nature Center is a 501(c)3 nature center created and operated by a volunteer board and with no paid staff. Volunteers needed to help spruce up the 5-acre protected area.

The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission has been active over the past decade in working to restore glades, prairies, open woodlands, savannas and other historically open habitats on appropriate sites throughout its system of natural areas. Theo Witsell will present the commission’s successful management strategies in restoring some of Arkansas’ most beautiful landscape. Free.

BRIT hosts this screening of The New Frontier: Sustainable Ranching in the American West in partnership with the Lone Star Film Society. The directors will be on site for a Q&A session following the film. Free.

The exhibit documents the growth of one of Japan's premier botanical gardens. The exhibit will include plant specimens, plant photos, rare books and other memorabilia from the garden.

Tour more than 30 local homes that feature solar power and other energy efficient features. Stops in Azle, Carrolton, Cedar HiIl, Dallas, Duncanville, Fairview, Farmers Branch, Flower Mound, Grand Prairie, Irving, Lucas, Murphy, Oak Leaf, Plano, Rowlett and Weatherford. Held in conjunction with the National Solar Home Tour. 

The event is free. It's a self-guided tour. Just look up the locations on the website and plan your stops. Hours are 10am-4pm but check individual home hours. http://www.dfwsolartour.org/locations.html

READ MORE: 

http://greensourcedfw.org/articles/solar-powered-homes-wanted-dfw-solar-home-tour-oct-5-2013

http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/09/18/5173684/north-texans-learning-to-live.html?storylink=addthis#.UjtFkWzCVaM.facebook

Energy efficiency expert Bill Neukrantz will share his tips for cutting your home energy usage in half. Info: administrator@firstjefferson.org or 682-465-0021.

READ MORE: http://greensourcedfw.org/articles/top-10-steps-cutting-your-energy-costs-half

For ages 50 plus. Paddle the Brazos River on this two-day overnight kayak trip with American Canoe Association and American Red Cross assessed and American Red Cross lifeguard-certified trip leaders. Fee includes transportation, kayaks, life jackets, paddles, primitive camping site, all trail meals and most camping equipment. Mandatory pre-trip meeting, Sept 4 at 7 pm at the Denton Senior Center for all participants. Register: 940-349-7275 or www.dentonparks.com. $95.

For ages 50 plus. Join ACA assessed /life guard certified Senior Center Recreation staff on a paddle up Elm Fork to the confluence of Clear Creek and Elm Fork.

Water and weather appropriate clothing (including close-toed shoes that can get wet and a hat) are recommended. Paddling experience not required.

Fee includes transportation, instructors, guides, sit-on-top kayaks, life jackets, paddles and kayak instruction. Bring sunscreen, bag lunch and water. Meet at Senior Center Recreation Center. Register: 940-349-7275 or www.dentonparks.com. $20.

Learn more about TCA’s water recycling initiative and how you can help educate the public about water recycling – “the wave of the future.” Free. Info: Dana@TCATexas.org or 469-531-6856.

Conference focuses on the policies and regulations affecting farms and food.

 • Hear top speakers on a variety of issues including genetically engineered foods, the politics of organics, the 2013 Farm Bill, FDA’s food safety regulations, urban farming, raw milk, water planning & policy, and more!

• Participate in hands-on activism workshops, for both beginners and experienced activists

• Network with individuals, nonprofits, and businesses who care about our local farms and food

• Enjoy lunch (Monday) and a special banquet (Sunday evening) of local foods prepared by nationally acclaimed chef Jesse Griffiths of Dai Due.

Early Bird Registration: $40-$90 till Aug. 31.