Lifestyle

On Wednesday, April 11 at 7 pm we'll learn about sustainable architecture during a free tour and talk at the gleaming new UTA College Park Center, 601 S. Pecan St.

For this month's general meeting we will tour the CPC, UTA's newest environmentally-friendly sports arena/events facility. We will be guided by the building's architects and managers, who will highlight its green features.

Representatives of the UT System and the architecture and engineering firms involved ­ Bill Amendola, Office of Facilities Planning and Construction, UT System; Ellen Mitchell, sustainable design coordinator, HKS; Jennifer Blount, LEED coordinator, Jacobs Engineering; and Keith Schobert, assistant director, UTA College Park Center ­ will lead a discussion of green building elements, both visible and stealth, and other environmentally aware features of the state-of-the-art venue and how the entire 20-acre College Park District is accelerating a growing synergy between the university and downtown Arlington.

Let’s talk about where you live…

This meeting focuses on the District 1 area but all citizens are welcome and encouraged to attend.
The Plano City Council wants to hear your ideas and concerns about your community and answer any questions you may have about city services and programs.

The District 1 Neighborhood Roundtable will be at Plano Centre on Thursday, March 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. Mayor and City Council with staff support will discuss topics of interest. The agenda will be posted 72 hours prior to the meeting. If you are not sure of your district, a map of district boundaries is available.

CONNEMARA LAUNCHES ‘HOPS FOR HABITAT” BREWFEST SERIES

• Allen to host first charity fundraiser on April 7
• McKinney, Dallas also scheduled to host events

 A popular North Texas brewery and local farmers will take center stage beginning this spring when the Connemara Conservancy launches its first “Hops for Habitat” Brewfest Series on April 7 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Old Farm House at Montgomery Farm.

Rahr & Son Brewing Company of Fort Worth will be this year’s featured brewery for the series of events designed to raise money to support the Connemara mission of working with landowners and communities to protect and conserve critical natural landscapes remaining throughout North Texas.

Food will be provided by a variety of local farmers and producers throughout the series.

Tickets for the Allen event, at $50 each and limited to 100 attendees, go on sale to the public on March 5 at connemaraconservancy.org.

Sponsorships also are available for the entire series.

ALLEN TO CELEBRATE A GREENER AND HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE APRIL 7
Full day of family activities scheduled for fourth annual EarthFest

The public is invited to join nonprofit organizations from across Allen and throughout North Texas who will gather April 7 at the Connemara Meadow Preserve for a festival filled with outdoor activities for the entire family.

EarthFest 2012 - A Celebration of Nature, Health and Community - will offer adults and children a chance to learn more about the wonders of nature while enjoying the great outdoors.

The family friendly event, which begins at 10 a.m. and runs through 2 p.m., will feature:

• an egg hunt featuring colorful handmade eggs filled with wildflower seeds
• hands-on environmental activities for the entire family
• nature walks and bird watching
• kayaking and canoeing demonstrations
• wildlife presentations
• and much, much more

DARE THE WORLD TO SAVE THE PLANET

 Volunteer Fair in Dallas, Thursday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The Senior Source, 3910 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas [ close to downtown Dallas, near the Sammons Center for the Arts and the Infomart]

Explore more than 60 nonprofits, causes and unique service opportunities in North Texas to utilize your strengths and find fulfillment through a customized volunteer match. This interactive event is designed to engage your individual talents, personal interests, and availability with organizations who are impacting our community and the world.

In the meantime, feel free to check out one of our volunteers on YouTube ...<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c2fs8AV3kk&amp;feature=youtu.be>  

Volunteer Fair in Coppell – March 26

It IS Easy Being Green! Find Out How. Your chance to learn about simple ways to be green AND get involved in your community!

Volunteer Fair In Coppell Monday, March 26, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The Dallas/Ft. Worth Population Study Group is holding an open meeting on Tuesday, March 20^th, 2012 at 6:30pm at the Crow Museum in the Arts District of downtown Dallas.

 The mission of the group is “To study, discuss and help support ethical solutions to international human population issues as they relate to environmental conservation, the strengthening of human rights and improving global health”.

Interested parties are cordially invited to attend, meet others interested in these important issues and get involved. Drinks and appetizers will be provided. 

What: March Community Day at O.S. Gray

When:   Saturday March 10, 2012

Where:  O.S. Gray Natural Area, 2021 W. Abram St.

Time:  9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Info: friendsofosgray@gmail.com 

Please bring work gloves and your favorite weeding tools or litter picker upper.

Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and for working in a natural area 

(long pants, long sleeves, sturdy shoes).