Nature

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center celebrates its 10th anniversary starting October 2, with six months of festivities including walks and activities. Located in DFW, it features accessible trails and diverse wildlife. Founded by David Hurt, it's a sanctuary for nature exploration and education, with future expansion and programs planned.

Volunteers counted dead birds in Dallas to assess the impact of the Lights Out Texas campaign, aimed at reducing building collisions during migration. Though results are preliminary, efforts focus on statewide awareness and lighting reduction. Texas, a crucial flyway, highlights the significant role of lighting in bird mortality.

Conservationists in Fort Worth are striving to protect the city’s last native prairie amid rapid development. The Fort Worth Prairie Park effort continues despite setbacks, aiming to unite private and public lands into a contiguous reserve. Stakeholders, including the Great Plains Restoration Council, collaborate to preserve this endangered ecosystem.

Cities and colleges in North Texas collaborate with Bee City USA to aid endangered pollinators, threatened by habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. Denton, Arlington, Grapevine, and universities like UNT are enhancing green spaces and launching educational initiatives to create bee-friendly environments.

Walking beside a small pond, my friend spotted a snake in the vegetation near the trunk of a willow tree. She guessed it was a harmless water snake and was ready to grab it, but hesitated and yelled: “Cottonmouth!”

Restoring native plants in North Texas enhances ecosystems due to their drought tolerance and support for wildlife. Several garden centers and the Native Plant Society of Texas facilitate access. Native plant sales are reopening, offering diverse selections and fostering community involvement in native flora conservation.

Frog calls enliven North Texas nights, with male Blanchard’s cricket frogs and Southern leopard frogs engaging in courtship sounds. Amidst their decline due to threats like chytrid fungus, conservation is essential. Residents can help by maintaining habitats and creating frog-friendly environments, enhancing natural insect control and enjoying amphibian songs.

BRIT conducted a controlled burn on its urban prairie, utilizing fire to maintain the ecosystem's health by hindering invasive species. This fire management approach is rooted in historical practices and is meticulously planned to prevent unintended damage. The burn offers educational opportunities and promotes land management knowledge.

Wild turkeys, native to North Texas and part of Thanksgiving traditions, thrive in areas such as Dallas and Tarrant Counties. They are curious and social, often seen near lakes and preserves. Despite past declines due to hunting, their populations have rebounded significantly.

After canceling his initial plans due to the pandemic, UTA graduate Graham Feil completed the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail using a "Flip Flop" strategy. Despite challenges like social distancing and wildlife encounters, Feil enjoyed the solitary journey and plans more hikes, emphasizing the value of nature and urban green spaces.