Skip to main content

Nature

Parks, wildlife

Plant propagation is worth digging into, says Dallas author

Dallas horticulturist Leslie Halleck's second book, "Plant Parenting," is a visually rich guide on plant propagation for novices and experts. It covers techniques for multiplying houseplants, vegetables, and flowers sustainably and cost-effectively, fostering beginning gardeners while enriching experienced ones.

North Texas storm topples trees across region

Severe storms in North Texas toppled hundreds of trees, causing power outages and a crane collapse that killed a Dallas resident. The Texas Trees Foundation emphasizes proper tree planting and care to prevent storm damage, advising certified arborists for maintenance. Trees enhance community health and offer numerous benefits.

Wild bird ER reschedules open house after rainout

The North Texas Master Naturalists rescheduled their open house at Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center to June 1 after a rainout. Visitors can explore the facility guided by volunteers, see various bird species, and enjoy educational tours. The event is free, but donations are welcome.

DFW gearing up for iNat bioblitz

DFW is competing globally in the iNaturalist City Nature Challenge April 26-29, observing wildlife. Led by biologist Sam Kieschnick, participants photograph species in North Texas, with top observations contributing to the DFW count. iNaturalist data helps track species and ecosystem health, engaging amateur naturalists worldwide.

'Bad' bills threaten Texas resources, environmentalists say

Three bills that threaten environmental health and safety are gaining traction. Courtesy of State of Texas.

April 22, 2019

In this Texas Legislature, while school funding and property tax relief have dominated the news, environmental watchdogs warn that several bills that could affect Texans’ air, water, soil and property rights are nearing final votes. 

ON THE FRACKWATER FRONT (HB 2771)

Conservation stars recognized for Texas projects

Texan by Nature, a conservation nonprofit founded by Laura Bush, announced its 2019 Conservation Wranglers, recognizing innovative Texas projects. Honorees include initiatives for paddling trails, wetlands restoration, water conservation, oyster recycling, reef restoration, and grassland recovery. Each will receive tailored support to enhance their conservation efforts.

New Dallas tree zoning law to be voted on Wednesday

The Neighborhood Forest Overlay ordinance, unanimously approved by Dallas City Council, allows homeowners to create zones for tree preservation, aiming to protect urban forests beyond the 2018 ordinance. It empowers residents to manage greenery preservation, affecting future property sales, and complements existing tree laws.

World birding champion to speak Jan. 5 in Fort Worth

2015 global birding champ Noah Strycker will be the guest speaker for Fort Worth Audubon Society on Saturday, Jan. 5 at UNTHSC. Photos courtesy of Noah Strycker.

Jan. 2, 2019

Noah Strycker set an audacious goal for in 2015: see half the world’s 10,000 bird species. The prior record of 4,341 did not quite hit the mark. When just 32, Strycker departed on Jan. 1 for Antarctica and by year’s end would surpass his goal, sighting 6,042 species. 

City of Dallas giving away trees to combat heat islands

The Dallas Branch Out program kicked off in November. Photos courtesy of the city of Dallas Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability.

Dec. 19, 2018

Dallasites, there’s still time to get a tree. Not for the holidays but to provide shade and other health benefits for decades to come.

Trees plagued by mistletoe need extra love

Mistletoe is easiest to spot in winter. Photo courtesy of Preservation Tree Services.

You may have noticed it as the trees start to lose their leaves, when it’s more visible. Hidden during summer, the growths look like small, lime green shrubs with waxy white berries. It’s mistletoe, a reminder of Christmas, festive decorations and the quaint tradition of kissing unsuspecting bystanders.