Nature

Western rat snakes, common in North Texas, are nonvenomous and often found in garages and gardens post-summer. They're harmless to humans and help control rodent populations. Residents can safely remove them using a broom and trash can. For more information, visit the blog "Lives In Nature."

Fort Worth's Open Space Acquisitions Program, launched to preserve natural areas amid urban growth, aims to protect parcels for flood control, recreation, and wildlife. Overseen by Jennifer Dyke, the program collaborates with stakeholders and utilizes various funding sources, recently purchasing Broadcast Hill to expand Tandy Hills Natural Area.

About 30 migrating birds, disoriented by Dallas's bright lights, collided with buildings this week. The Texas Conservation Alliance's survey is part of the Lights Out Texas campaign to reduce light pollution. Dallas, a major migration path, is dangerous for birds due to its urban lights.

In an episode in The Lonesome Dove, a fellow falls into a river and is immediately attacked by a swarm of snakes. Many people tell a similar story, of some poor soul who falls into a “nest” of cottonmouths and dies from hundreds of venomous bites.

Nature officially reclaims Fort Worth’s Broadcast Hill as prairie supporters celebrate its addition to Tandy Hills Natural Area. The 52-acre parcel, saved from commercialization, expands the greenspace to 210 acres. The success followed years of advocacy, city collaboration, and financial support, ensuring ecological preservation within the city.

In River Legacy Park, Jim Sipiora discovered a sophisticated trap holding an indigo bunting, used to lure females. Arlington's Warden released the bird and confiscated an iPhone leading to a local suspect. This incident has sparked a wide investigation involving multiple agencies into the illegal trapping of birds for black market sales.

A planned water reclamation plant in Fort Worth aims to discharge treated wastewater into Mary’s Creek, sparking concern over environmental impacts. Opponents propose routing effluent to larger reservoirs, while the city upholds plans citing advanced treatment technology. Disagreements may delay the plant's 2026 opening.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden, after introducing its first admission fee, will be managed by the Botanical Research Institute of Texas. This partnership aims to boost attendance, enhance education and volunteer programs, and increase funding. The city retains land ownership, while BRIT will manage fees and memberships.

Fort Worth-based turtle expert Andrew Brinker says if you find a turle in the middle of the street, you should carry it across the road in the direction it was going. That’s because, most of the time, it knows where it’s headed.

Both the Dallas and Fort Worth zoos, though closed to the public due to Covid-19, continue animal care routines and bolster online engagements. Staffing and financial challenges persist; Dallas Zoo even launched an Emergency Operations Fund. Measures are in place for social distancing, and animals enjoy more freedom during the closure.