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Nature

Parks, wildlife

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.

Celebration founder remembered as protector of Brazos

Ed Lowe, 1949-2018, died last week doing what he loved, exploring Big Bend. Photo by Nick Dornak.

Nov. 12, 2018

Ed Lowe’s paddle went all over the Brazos as he fought for the river he loved with an overwhelming passion, following the aquatic trails of Texas author John Graves whose words charged him with a cause: Speak up for rivers. Lowe’s paddle joined Graves’ nearly thirty years ago in a tandem canoe as together they paddled the challenging Lower Pecos River’s whitewaters.

Dallas attorney updates popular Texas camping guide

Dallas author and camping guru Wendel Withrow reveals how to prepare for adventure, avoid alligators and escape civilization. Photos courtesy of the author.

Oct. 17, 2018

Dallas-based author Wendel Withrow wrote the definitive guide for tent-camping in the Lone Star State a decade ago. Now the attorney-turned-outdoor enthusiast offers more wisdom and experience in his second edition, released this year by Menasha Ridge Press

Native plant sales fill fall calendar

Native plant sales in North Texas enrich fall gardening calendars, promoting native plants that thrive in the Texas heat and support local wildlife. The Native Plant Society of Texas, established in 1981, leads these efforts, with various Texas chapters hosting sales events throughout September and October.

North Texas tours showcase waterwise gardens

Dallas and Plano are hosting their annual waterwise garden tours in October. Photos courtesy of city of Plano.

Can you have an attractive yard in DFW without running up your water bill? Two garden tours give North Texans a chance to check out the yards of folks who have mastered the art of sustainable gardening.

The city of Dallas pioneered the event, launching its annual Waterwise Tour 24 years ago. Plano began its own tour six years ago and both cities have transitioned from a spring event to a fall tour in October.

PLANO TOUR