Stewardship / Faith

The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) has announced that CNN founder, entrepreneur, and environmentalist Ted Turner is the recipient of its 2012 International Award of Excellence in Conservation for his accomplishments in grassland restoration and in biodiversity conservation.  The award dinner will be held on April 5, 2012, at The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas.

“In considering our award’s nominees, every year BRIT looks for that special individual whose commitment to conservation has produced extraordinary results,” says Dr. S.H. Sohmer, BRIT's president and director.  “This year, Ted Turner is that person.  His passion for nature and dedication to biodiversity and ecological sustainability stand out as sterling examples of what an individual can do.  I wholeheartedly congratulate Ted on his amazing efforts.”

For the Love of the Lake (FTLOTL) - Second Saturday Shoreline Spruce-Up (VH)

Second Saturdays, 8:30am - 10:30am (register between 8:00 and 8:30)

Tasks of the day:  Clean the shores of White Rock Lake by picking up trash.

Registration Location:  1152 N Buckner Blvd, Dallas, TX 75218.  NE Corner of Garland Rd. & Buckner Blvd. in Casa Linda Plaza (Facing Buckner & Doctors Hospital).

Mission of the committee:  to create, maintain, protect, and enhance a healthy, sound, and diverse community forest, which will contain trees varying in age, species and location.  Also, to educate officials and the public regarding the importance of healthy urban resources and the proper care and maintenance of trees/forests.

Contact:  MN Sara Beckelman

Note:  The Urban Forest Advisory Committee meets on first Tuesdays.

As populations increase and water supplies decrease, the awareness of water conservation is steadily rising.  Rainwater harvesting is an ancient technique for providing water to humans, gardens and livestock used across the planet since the dawn of time.  Contemporary generations take the rainfall for granted and treat runoff as a problem instead of an asset. Harvested rainwater provides water for our growing demand and also mitigates stormwater issues. Dr. Dotty Woodson, Extension Program Specialist - Water Resources will be teaching about the understanding the overall water cycle and looking at the effects of rainwater harvesting on the environment.

To register - visit http://dallas.tamu.edu/courses/nov-10-2011-rainwater-harvesting/ 

Note:  There are two identical workshops on November 9 and 10.  The November 9 workshop will be held at Texas TAMU Agricultural Research & Extension Ctr.

The Texas Watershed Steward program is a free, one-day educational workshop designed to help watershed residents improve and protect their water resources by getting involved in local watershed protection and management activities.

The workshop will provide an overview of water quality and watershed management in Texas. It will primarily focus on water quality issues in the City of Dallas Watersheds.

Pre-register for the workshop by going to: http://tws.tamu.edu 

Featured Speaker: Liz Johnston, owner of The Greener Good

PUBlic Knowledge

A monthly adult gathering celebrating brains and brew, presented at a local watering hole by the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History

Just behind our Visitors’ Center lies a trail that tells a story. The trail tells a story about the Nature Center’s life under water and what was left behind. It tells a story of a group of hard working men proudly called the Civilian Conservation Corps. Join us as we hike around the Caprock Trail sharing these stories and taking in the fauna and flora along this trail. $5 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS FREE.

Current Admission fees:

$5 Adults (13-64)
$2 Children (3-12;under 3 FREE)
$3 Seniors (65+)
$1 Discount per person (with Military ID)

What does a sustainable life look like, feel like, taste like?

How can we go forward with sustainability in our lives--whether it is with giant steps like an ecovillage, baby steps in a city/suburb, or something in between?

How does sustainability start, then grow, and finally reach a tipping point where it spreads to others?

Although led by Patricia Allison, long-time Permaculture teacher, founder of Earthaven Ecovillage, and consultant to our ecovillage east of Rockwall, this is a participatory meeting. We will split up in different groups, all move from table to table--talking about one particular part of sustainability, then move on to talk about another.

This was Patricia's suggestion rather than a dinner. And it sounds great to me! We will start at 6:30 and will provide snacks if the venue makes it possible.

And speaking of venues, please don't forget: Any suggestions about where to meet in this area will be welcome to me as a newcomer.