Design

Rain in North Texas is sporadic, leading to water restrictions. Betsy Marsh from TRWD suggests using DIY rain barrels for water conservation. TRWD provides education, workshops, and grants for rainwater harvesting, benefiting schools and communities. Rain barrels help conserve water, reduce demand, and lower water bills.

The National Solar Tour, held Oct. 4-6, features homes in Texas with renewable energy technology, including locations in Fairview, Irving, Waco, and Austin. Hosted by the American Solar Energy Society, the tour promotes solar energy adoption and provides an opportunity to discuss features with homeowners.

Visit the Westbrook House in Fairview during the National Solar Tour on Oct. 5, to explore its pioneering energy efficiency and eco-friendly features, built by Paul Westbrook. The house uses passive solar design, geothermal systems, and rainwater collection, showcasing sustainable living and hosting public tours to inspire similar initiatives.

Cedar Hill's new 'Library in a Park' features a 42,000-square-foot facility within a 7-acre Signature Park, including nature trails and a concert venue. Opening on April 27, the library integrates outdoor elements, offers a rooftop deck, a podcast studio, and houses the Cedar Hill Museum, embracing community input and green design.

The city of Dallas will develop 15 new parks on vacant city properties as part of the Green Initiative to improve park equity. Led by Dallas Parks and Recreation and The Trust for Public Land, the project engages communities in designing parks with desired amenities, supported by $2.5 million in funding.

New sidewalks and traffic signals are planned to improve access to Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Starting June 2026, the city will enhance University Drive with traffic signals, bus pads, and walking trails, addressing safety and accessibility concerns. This project, part of a larger street expansion, aims to make the garden more accessible.

Four 60-year-old live oaks were relocated to an Addison park by AMLI, a developer building a mixed-use community aiming for LEED Silver certification. Environmental Design executed the move using ArborLift technology to preserve the trees, part of a sustainability effort that includes planting 350 new trees.

The 2023 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant provides $1M for asbestos and contaminant removal from Fort Worth Convention Center. The cleanup, part of a $606M renovation and expansion, precedes arena demolition in 2026, promoting community revitalization and economic growth in Fort Worth.

The Fort Worth Nature Center, once a planned state park, showcases structures from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built during the Great Depression. Their legacy highlighted by a dedicated statue was recognized for transforming landscapes and fostering an environmental ethic, with future plans for restoration.

The Southwestern Medical District in Dallas is undergoing a green transformation. The Texas Trees Foundation plans to use evidence-based design to turn the industrialized area into a healthier urban environment. This includes a 10-acre park and innovative climate data utilization to improve air quality and mitigate heat effects.