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People sitting in chairs on grassy field, looking at the sky.
Aug 31 2017, AMY MARTIN

Eclipsestock! North Texas writer witnesses totality in Nebraska

A North Texas writer recounts witnessing a total solar eclipse in Nebraska. The trip, with her husband and friends, to Agate Fossil Beds National Monument near Harrison, saw nearly 7,000 attendees. Amid a festive atmosphere dubbed "Eclipsestock," they experienced awe and camaraderie during the eclipse's totality.
Four people in chairs on a grassy hill, wearing eclipse glasses.
Aug 22 2017, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Solar eclipse brings out creativity in North Texans

The solar eclipse inspired North Texans to engage in creative viewing methods like homemade pinhole projectors, solar glasses, and cereals boxes. Enthusiasts, like Amy Martin, traveled for totality, while others shared innovative viewing techniques, poetry, and experiences online, capturing the community's vibrant excitement and resourcefulness.
Dirt path beside bushes under a blue sky with clouds.
Aug 11 2017, JULIE THIBODEAUX

South Texas butterfly sanctuary staked for Trump's border wall

At the end of July, workers arrived unannounced and started marking a 150-foot clearing zone at the National Butterfly Center in South Texas, in preparation for Trump’s border wall. The 100-acre sanctuary, which provides habitat for more than 200 species of butterflies, including the monarch,
Jul 25 2017, Teresa McUsic

Arlington park named for visionary environmentalist

The Julia Burgen Linear Park, named for the former city council member and early environmentalist, was dedicated in Arlington in May.

July 25, 2017

In the world of ecology, sometimes moving forward means looking around.

In 1995, Arlington’s city council had a big decision to make for flood control of Johnson creek. One path was to follow the Army Corps of Engineers idea for a massive concrete ditch through the city.

Jul 24 2017, Julie Ryan

Texas legislators raise an axe against local tree ordinances

Senate Bill 14 and House Bill 70, ban cities, counties and even HOA from restricting property owners’ removal of trees or other vegetation. 

July 24, 2017

Bills to pre-empt local ordinances protecting trees throughout Texas are being pushed through the legislature right now, unless public opposition stops them. More than 100 cities in Texas that already have tree ordinances would be affected.

Jul 24 2017, Mary Ann Graves

Op Ed: Tree lovers should oppose SB 14 and HB 70

Texas Historic Tree Coalition president Mary Ann Graves rebuts those who want to overturn local tree ordinances. Above, a tree is protected by wood planks during construction at a private residence in Austin on June 12, 2017. Austin Price/The Texas Tribune.

July 24, 2017

Field of wildflowers with a dirt path and trees in the background.
Jun 26 2017, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Two North Texas green spaces honored as Lone Star Legacy Parks

Two North Texas parks, Kiest Park in Dallas and Tandy Hills Natural Area in Fort Worth, have been designated as Lone Star Legacy Parks by the Texas Recreation and Park Society for their historic significance, unique natural features, and community relevance.
Tarantula on a textured brown surface.
Jun 21 2017, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Tarantula project put Lewisville nature preserve on the map

Retired physicist Bill Freiheit launched the Hentzi Project to sustain the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA) through tarantula restoration. With Leah Patton's help, they aimed to raise awareness of ecological issues while attempting to restore the Texas brown tarantula population.
Trail information boards in a wooded area.
May 29 2017, JULIE THIBODEAUX

New interactive map orients hikers at Oak Cliff Nature Preserve

The Texas Land Conservancy launched an interactive smartphone-accessible map for Oak Cliff Nature Preserve to help hikers navigate its complex trails. Debuting on National Trails Day, June 3, the map aims to prevent confusion and attract more visitors to the urban Dallas park featuring trails, creeks, and diverse ecosystems.
Brown butterfly with eye-like patterns on wings, resting on sandy ground.
May 08 2017, JULIE THIBODEAUX

DFW wins nationwide iNaturalist Challenge 

In a surprising victory, DFW citizen scientists won the nationwide iNaturalist Challenge, surpassing San Francisco. Over 500 North Texans made 24,000 observations, with Sam Kieschnick leading the effort and highlighting the importance of these records in showcasing local biodiversity. The competition spurred enthusiasm and highlighted species like the showy pink primrose.
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