Reprise

Fort Worth will remove up to 50 acres of invasive privet from Tandy Hills Natural Area to protect its 1,800 native species, using heavy equipment initially and targeted herbicide later. This project, supported by a $150,000 grant, aims for significant ecological recovery despite being an ongoing challenge.

Colleyville residents, led by Tim Waterworth, are opposing a Southlake developer's plan to clear 14 acres of native Cross Timbers forest for luxury homes. This historic forest, crucial for its environmental benefits and heritage, faces development despite community efforts, including opposition letters and council hearings.

Fairfield Lake State Park, a 1,800-acre site in Freestone County, is at risk of closure due to the land’s sale to developers. Efforts by Texas legislators and environmental groups aim to preserve the park, emphasizing its ecological significance and highlighting its history of public recreational use.

Fort Worth, in partnership with the Texas Trees Foundation, seeks public input for its first Urban Forest Master Plan. The plan will evaluate urban forest resources, identify priority planting areas, and create a strategic vision. A virtual workshop highlighted issues like clearcutting and tree preservation. Feedback is open via a survey until February's end.

Alligator sightings near Lake Worth led to a meeting among local residents, city officials, and wildlife experts. Concerns about safety were discussed, but experts reassured attendees about alligators' typically unaggressive nature. Increased sightings might be due to changing environments, while experts discourage feeding alligators to prevent aggression.

Dallas City Council's 2022-2023 budget allocates an additional $2.5 million to environmental initiatives. This funds staff for environmental justice, air quality, and brownfield programs, supports solar panel installations, and launches the weatherization pilot for low-income residents. It strengthens Dallas’ commitment to sustainability and climate goals.

More than 2,000 Texans have signed a petition condemning the Marvin Nichols Reservoir, opposing its development due to potential economic and environmental impacts. Preserve Northeast Texas, a coalition of landowners and environmentalists, argues the project would remove 200,000 acres of productive land.

Hackberry leafrollers, or Sciota celtidella, devoured the leaves of hackberries across North Texas, creating spooky webs. Despite initial concerns, pest specialist Wizzie Brown assures residents the outbreak is non-threatening, and the trees will recover. These caterpillars provide food for migrating birds, so pesticides aren't needed.

Despite a recent setback, big cat advocates say mountain lions in Texas may be closer than ever to finally being granted minimal protections. Most land in Texas is privately owned, so anywhere that mountain lions live is likely on private property.

Texan by Nature, founded by Laura Bush in 2011, mediates between companies and environmental groups for conservation projects. The nonprofit collaborates with over 100 organizations on initiatives like the Lights Out Texas campaign and Dark Skies initiative, enhancing conservation efforts across Texas and influencing broader environmental impact.