Water

Topics covered include: benefits and uses of rainwater, methods of harvesting, rain storage options, optimizing use of rainwater. Free.

Screening is hosted by the Green Sanctuary Committee at Westside UU. "Last Call at the Oasis" sheds light on the vital role water plays in our lives, exposes the defects in the current system and introduces those who are championing new solutions. Popcorn provided. Free. For more information, email Linda at llswenson@yahoo.com. http://www.lastcallattheoasis.com/

Learn about the quality of Irving’s creeks, ponds, streams, and the Trinity River at stream sampling demonstrations every third Saturday of the month at five convenient locations throughout the city. Watch a representative of the Texas Stream Team program perform basic water quality testing and data gathering at the water’s edge and learn how to keep an eye on water quality and our environment, obtain training and become a part of the long-term stream monitoring in Irving.

10 to 11 a.m.:
North Sundance Canal,
Red River Trail at Casa Drive
(meet at the far 5756 Riverside Drive).

11 a.m. to noon:
Bird's Fort Trail Park (meet at the river's edge behind the pavilion),
5756 Riverside Drive.

1 to 2 p.m.:
Jaycee Park,
1975 Puritan Drive (meet at the low-water crossing).

2 to 3 p.m.:
Centennial Park,
444 W. Second St. (meet at the low-water crossing beneath Sixth St.)
Convenient parking is located just east of the bridge on Sixth St.

3 to 4 p.m.:
Towne Lake Park,
800 Esters Road (meet at the Gazebo)

Learn water-saving practices for the landscape and design principles emphasizing the use of native and adapted plants. $9/nonresidents, $5/residents.

The Greater Fort Worth Sierra Club hosts Carol Spruiell of the Texas Conservation Alliance, who will speak on the water supply for North Texas. She will cover the local water plan, alternatives to building multi-billion-dollar dams and the more efficient use of water resources through recycling.

Event hosted by Stop the Frack Attack, a coalition of concerned citizens and groups seeking to protect their health and their families from the dangers of gas drilling. More details TBA.

Class hosted by the city of Denton Parks and Recreation Department geared to ages 3-5 and their adult companions. Hands-on activities, arts & crafts and a nature hike. Cost. $8.

Learn about rainwater harvesting and build your own rain barrel.
All supplies provided by AgriLife Extension. $50/per barrel. Register: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07e6rsr…

Learn to maintain a healthy lawn with less frequent watering. Discover the most effective and earth-friendly ways to care for your yard. Instructor: Gail Donaldson, a turf and irrigation specialist and water conservation manager for the city of Allen. Attendees can enter a drawing for free bags of Green Sense organic fertilizer from Rohde’s Nursery and Nature Store. Space is limited, pre-registration is advised.

Town hall with Rep. Rafael Anchia of Dallas (Sunset Advisory Committee) and Rep. Jim Keffer of Eastland (Energy Resources Committee) where you can voice opinions on the PUC and the Railroad Commission, regarding tar sands, fracking, etc. On Dec.19, testimony will be heard at the Capitol on Sunset* of above-mentioned agencies. This event is sponsored by the Dallas and Fort Worth Sierra Clubs, Public Citizen and others.

*Sunset of an agency deals with all aspects of an agency, how it does business with the public and private sector--even whether the entity as we know it should continue. This process only happens once every seven years.