Nature

Parks, wildlife

Jun 22 2022, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Tree-killing beetle has spread to Dallas County

The emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle from Asia, threatens ash trees in Dallas County, Texas, after spreading from Tarrant County. This beetle has decimated millions of trees across 36 U.S. states, prompting significant concerns among experts and efforts to slow its spread through various strategies and public awareness campaigns.

Jun 10 2022, JULIE THIBODEAUX

U.S. House to vote on big wildlife bill as early as Tuesday

The U.S. House will vote on the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which allocates $50 million annually to Texas for at-risk wildlife. Supported by a broad coalition, this bill aims to stabilize species, saving costs long-term. It is part of a $1.3 billion national wildlife funding initiative.

Apr 08 2022, MARSHALL HINSLEY

'Lights Out' campaign is gaining momentum, say organizers

For its third year, the 'Lights Out' campaign urges Texans to turn off outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during peak bird migration (April 22-May 12) to prevent distractions and collisions. The initiative is growing, with increased city participation and surveys to reduce bird casualties.

Mar 23 2022, JULIE THIBODEAUX

LLELA brings back trail run

Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area is reviving its trail run after eight years, offering the Woods and Wetlands 6K+ and the Earth Day Dash. Scheduled for April 23, proceeds support restoration efforts. The event features a new Stewart Creek Trail and emphasizes participation over competition, including snacks and educational activities.

Feb 02 2022, JULIE THIBODEAUX

National Butterfly Center closes indefinitely, citing threats

The National Butterfly Center in Texas is closed indefinitely due to safety threats from conspiracy theorists. The center, embroiled in border wall controversies, faces defamation and escalating threats. It hosts thousands of visitors annually and advocates for environmental education. The Center awaits the green light from authorities to reopen.

Jan 21 2022, AMY MARTIN

Former Boy Scout camp shelters nature in urban Dallas

Jan. 21, 2022

It was 1999, and the news was circulating in north Oak Cliff like wildfire.

Developers sought to buy and rezone the 160 rugged, wooded acres of the Boy Scouts’ old Camp Brooklawn. It was a stab to the heart for those Oak Cliff residents who'd spent their childhoods playing in the woods along Five Mile Creek back in the 1930s when the area was rural, except for a few abbreviated thoroughfares.

Oct 27 2021, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Dallas park to be named for crusader of ‘rewilding’

Dallas will turn a stretch of pavement into a new park and name it after a local landscape architect whose mission was to rewild the world’s cities.

Oct 21 2021, JIM DOMKE

Denton County town honored by PETA for duck love

Providence Village in Denton County was honored with PETA's “Compassionate Town Award” for innovative measures to protect ducklings from storm drains, using recycled sediment control guards to prevent them from falling in. This solution emerged during the pandemic and is credited with resolving the issue.

Oct 15 2021, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Rehab center aims to keep wild birds warm this winter

Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Texas, which cares for over 5,000 wild birds annually, is raising funds for a $20,000 generator after narrowly avoiding disaster during the 2021 winter storm. Many migratory birds rely on heating to survive winter; the center aims to ensure backup power availability.

Sep 08 2021, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Plant sleuths have 'image problem', says BRIT researcher

Plant researchers have difficulty finding field photos of nearly half of the 125,000 plant species in the Americas. Existing resources are scattered across various platforms, lacking a comprehensive global database. Researchers stress the urgent need for a unified database to aid identification and conservation efforts.