Conservation

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.

Texas loses 250 rural acres daily to urban development, fragmenting habitats and endangering species. At the People for Prairies conference, advocates shared conservation tactics, raising $27,000 for outreach. Cities like Fort Worth and Lewisville are integrating prairies into urban plans. Corporate and private landowners play crucial roles in prairie conservation.

Marshall Hinsley discusses pocket prairies, small plots planted with native Texas flora, as part of a statewide restoration effort. These prairies support native wildlife, sequester carbon, mitigate flooding, and require minimal maintenance, offering a sustainable way to restore Texas's native ecosystem.

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.

The 13th annual DFW Solar Tour returns in-person on Oct. 1, after two years online. Hosted by the North Texas Renewable Energy Group, this free event showcases six locations promoting renewable energy education. Highlights include advanced solar homes and insights into energy storage and financing options.

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.

Install a rain gauge and rain barrel to harness rainwater, saving 1,300 gallons yearly. Quality barrels with brass spigots, proper placement, mosquito prevention, and stable bases are vital. Ready-made and DIY options exist, like Epoch, Wayfair, and Home Depot barrels. Complement with unique rain gauges from Mo Clune or La Crosse Technology.

During the dangerously dry summer of 2022, with persistent 100°F days and a drought in DFW, wildlife suffers immensely. Experts urge setting out shallow water dishes to help heat-weary armadillos, birds, and more. Despite risks, providing water minimizes wildlife dehydration and mitigates disease, as residents rally to support wildlife survival.

The movement to save Texas mountain lions before they're gone forever, in this episode of the Texas Green Report, a production of Green Source DFW and the Memnosyne Institute.