Green Living

Coyotes, common in Texas, pose occasional threats to pets. Experts advise against feeding them and recommend "hazing" to discourage interaction. These adaptable creatures, likened to "song dogs," coexist through sustainable practices, despite historical eradication efforts and cultural misconceptions. Relocation is largely illegal, highlighting the need for human adaptation.

Record-setting heat in Texas led to numerous ER visits for heat illnesses, especially in cities like Austin and Del Rio. June 2023 may become the hottest June ever recorded in parts of Texas. Deaths linked to heat include a utility lineman and a postal worker; some migrants have died near the U.S./Mexico border.

Dallas appoints Garrett Boone as the city’s first Greening Czar to transform vacant city-owned land into green spaces. Boone, a seasoned environmentalist, will lead this initiative, with an aim to create more parks and improve green space access for Dallas residents, enhancing neighborhoods across the city.

EarthX, the world’s largest green expo, returns April 21-23, 2023, at Fair Park, Dallas, after a pandemic hiatus. The free event features exhibitors, speakers, films, and conferences addressing environmental issues. Highlights include the NextGen Pavilion, Environmental Justice Conference, and specialized ticketed conferences.

The free Oak Cliff Earth Day on April 16 at Lake Cliff Park offers entertainment, environmental education booths, green vendors, and food trucks. Highlights include performances by Bandan Koro and local schools, and a proclamation ceremony honoring the West Dallas Gateway Pecan Tree. Hosted by Green Source DFW and the Memnosyne Institute.

Texas State Parks mark their 100th anniversary with free entry during celebrations. Events highlight historic achievements and focus on future improvements while raising funds for park enhancements. Despite challenges, like the potential loss of Fairfield Lake Park and new ventures like Palo Pinto Mountains Park, the Centennial aims to engage more visitors statewide.

A prescribed burn was conducted by a fire team at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas to maintain a 1.5-acre urban prairie. The burn, a crucial ecological tool, prevents shrub overgrowth and enriches soil. Experts and professionals attended a workshop to learn about fire's role in sustaining healthy prairies.

Oak Cliff Earth Day, hosted by GreenSourceDFW and Memnosyne Institute since 2018, opens early booth registration. Featuring entertainment and environmental education, vendor spaces cost $60 by April 1. Sponsorships start at $100. Contact Lenora for vendor details and Wendel for sponsorships. Event: April 16, 2023, Lake Cliff Park, Dallas.

The Green Source DFW Awards returns on Dec. 4 at Fort Worth Botanic Garden, marking its in-person comeback. Established in 2012, this gala honors green leaders and will be held in a new venue. Tickets cost $25-$35, with additional options for exploring holiday exhibits.

Sam Kieschnick, a Fort Worth-based urban wildlife biologist for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, has inspired many to use iNaturalist, a popular naturalist app. He's made over 100,000 observations, placing him among the top 10 observers worldwide, out of 2.4 million users.