Nature

Parks, wildlife

Feb 21 2017, JULIE THIBODEAUX

LLELA prepares for its closeup with bioblitz planned on April 1

Last April, experts from across the state came together at Tandy Hills Natural Area in Fort Worth for the largest bioblitz ever held in North Texas. Volunteers not only recorded 3,000 observations of flora and fauna at the 160-acre prairie remnant, they inspired another group of naturalists to host their own bioblitz.

Feb 20 2017, MINNIE PAYNE

Back to the Garden: Fort Worth herbalist's personal care business springs from her rural roots

Stephonia Roberts of Mrs. Jack's Body Food uses natural ingredients from her garden for her soaps, lotions and bath salts.

Feb. 20, 2017

Native Americans and our other ancestors cured ailments and promoted health naturally by using plants and herbs. Fifty-three-year-old Stephonia Roberts, founder of Fort Worth-based Mrs. Jacks Body Food, says her natural personal care products do the same thing.

Feb 14 2017, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Why the Great Backyard Bird Count is a hoot

The first year my husband and I participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count, we were prepared to count birds and take names. On the weekend of the worldwide citizen scientist event, our canopied backyard deck in Fort Worth was our bird blind. Binoculars? Check. Bird guides? Check. Checklists? Check.

Jan 20 2017, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Comanche marker trees in Texas chronicled by Dallas tree expert

Comanche marker trees, threatened by disease and development, are chronicled in Steve Houser's book, "Comanche Marker Trees of Texas," which verifies their existence. The book, resulting from over 20 years of research, provides a taxonomy of marker trees and seeks to document them before they disappear.

Jan 10 2017, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Ecosystem's survival tied to prevalence of native plants, author says

Native plants have been touted for their water saving properties and importance to pollinators in recent years but a professor of entomology and wildlife ecology says the need for native plants is more dire than many experts have let on.

Jan 09 2017, Julie Ryan

Dallas tree advocates say city's new urban forestry unit is 'big deal'

The creation of a staffed forestry division in Dallas is the dream of city’s Urban Forestry Advisory Committee. Photos courtesy of Urban Forestry Advisory Committee.

Jan. 9, 2017

Dallas launched its new Urban Forestry Division Jan. 1, joining Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and Houston, all cities with professionally staffed forestry programs or departments.

Dec 20 2016, RITA COOK

Every Mavericks’ three-pointer plants another tree in Dallas

Trees for Threes volunteers planted trees at Reverchon Park in Dallas this spring.

Dec. 20, 2016

Every time the Dallas Mavericks score a three pointer, the city of Dallas gets a little greener. That’s because since 2010, Trees for Threes, a partnership between the Mavs, PWC, a Big Four accounting and consulting firm; Arbological Services; and the Dallas Independent School District, plants one tree for every three point basket.

Dec 18 2016, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Film Review: French documentary 'Seasons' thrills with poetic view of animal history

A new nature documentary Seasons, directed by Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud, the French filmmakers who made Winged Migration and Oceans, offers animal lovers an emersion into a world where wild things rule.

Nov 15 2016, RITA COOK

Dallas nonprofit to plant 1,000 trees to offset losses in 2015 DFW tornado

In partnership with Texas Trees Foundation and Keep Rowlett Beautiful, RETREET's goal is to plant 1,000 trees over the next few years in Rowlett, Garland and other communities hit by the Dec. 26 tornado.

Nov. 15, 2016

Nov 01 2016, RITA COOK

Riders return to 'bomb' Fort Worth trails with wildflower seeds for second year

The Great Seed Bomb is a finalist in the 2016 Green Source DFW Awards on Nov. 3.

Nov. 1, 2016

If you are planning to get out and enjoy the end of the excellent weather in North Texas next weekend, why not pull out your bike and ride for a good cause while you’re at it.