Conservation

E-commerce growth has led to increased cardboard waste in DFW, often sent to landfills instead of recycling. Dallas and Fort Worth promote recycling education to counter this trend, emphasizing breaking down boxes for recycling bins or drop-off stations. Effective waste separation is crucial to prolong landfill life.

Rain in North Texas is sporadic, leading to water restrictions. Betsy Marsh from TRWD suggests using DIY rain barrels for water conservation. TRWD provides education, workshops, and grants for rainwater harvesting, benefiting schools and communities. Rain barrels help conserve water, reduce demand, and lower water bills.

In 2021, Kristi Kerr Leonard and I hiked the neglected Ned and Genie Fritz Texas Buckeye Trail with Eileen Fritz McKee. Overgrown trails and invasive privet strangle the buckeyes. Leonard led restoration efforts, reviving the trail and Buckeye Walks in 2023, attracting dozens of first-time forest visitors.

Federal firings have impacted Texas public lands, with over 5,000 probationary employees laid off, affecting park services and staff. Agencies, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service, face understaffing during peak seasons. Public lands provide vital ecological, economic, and recreational benefits, emphasizing the need for legislative support.

Turf-grass yards face criticism for their environmental impact, contributing to water waste and pollution. Tim Yatko advocates for native plant landscaping in North Texas, challenging city codes favoring traditional lawns.

In the wake of the election, the urgent threat to environmental protections from the new administration's plans requires action from all, leveraging legal systems, public opinion, and pressure. Citizens must support eco-friendly businesses, unite across communities, and ensure progress isn't reversed, recalling Churchill’s resolve against tyranny.

The Fort Worth City Council is considering transferring management of the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge to the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT). Discussions between the city, BRIT, and the Friends group are exploring a potential public-private partnership, which aims to enhance resources while preserving the natural integrity of the 60-year conservation area.

Texas prairie habitat is vanishing, but a nonprofit aims to restore it through the Pollinators and Prairies program. The initiative combines outreach, restoration, research, and partnerships, encouraging Texans to plant native flora and support pollinator research, aiding in reversing wildlife and habitat decline.

Wild Ones DFW, a new native plant group in North Texas, held a meet and greet at the Flower Mound Library. Led by Kristina Dunn, this group focuses on advocating for native plants and is the only Wild Ones chapter in Texas. They aim to collaborate, not compete, with the Native Plant Society of Texas. Dunn hopes to expand to other Texas regions due to ecological diversity.

North Texas faces prairie loss due to rapid development as the population is expected to double by 2050. The Native Prairies Association of Texas launched the North Texas Prairie Initiative to conserve 2,000 acres within four years, emphasizing prairie benefits like flood protection and clean water.