Conservation

Sep 23 2018, AMY MARTIN

Goodbye to a prairie: Richardson meadow slated for development

The imminent destruction of Beck's Creek Prairie, a rare Blackland Prairie remnant in Richardson, prompts mourning from advocates like Eric Reed, who fought to save it. Despite its ecological significance, city government apathy and development pressures prevail, threatening this historic ecosystem with residential zoning and high-dollar home construction.

Sep 04 2018, JULIE THIBODEAUX

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.

Sep 04 2018, MINNIE PAYNE

Dallas Sierra Club launches speakers program

The club now provides speakers on environmental topics for free.

Sept. 4, 2018

Looking for a speaker for your garden club or youth group? Dallas Sierra Club members want to share their expertise on ecology and the outdoors.

That’s why the local conservation group launched a new outreach speakers program to supply local schools, civic clubs, churches and nature groups with eco-friendly presentations.

Aug 10 2018, JULIE THIBODEAUX

New botanical lab in Fort Worth to aid plant conservation

The Botanical Research Institute of Texas is unveiling the George C. and Sue W. Sumner Molecular and Structural Laboratory in Fort Worth to enhance plant conservation efforts. The facility will enable DNA analysis of plants, supporting research on plant relationships, rarity, and conservation by BRIT, universities, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Aug 01 2018, Kiah Collier

State park could close if Trump builds border wall through it

Birding tourism, a huge industry in the Rio Grande Valley, could be affected by negative environmental impacts of the border wall. Above, a Kisskadee perches at Resaca de la Palma, a World Birding Center Texas state park. Photo by Callie Richmond/The Texas Tribune.

Aug. 1, 2018

Jul 31 2018, MINNIE PAYNE

Fort Worth marketing mavens dive into water education

Stephanie Zavala and Arianne Shipley, experienced public education specialists, founded Rogue Water in Fort Worth to enhance communication in water education. Passionate about water and environmental education, they aim to impact how water utilities communicate, offering fresh ideas for various city sizes and applying their expertise beyond traditional roles.

Jul 24 2018, AMY MARTIN

East Texan spins prairie wisdom on grassland tour

People & Prairies is a three-part series highlighting people making a difference in prairie preservation.

In this second installment, we meet a philosophical cattle rancher in Hopkins County. Photos by Stalin SM.

July 24, 2018

Karl Ebel doesn’t look much like a Taoist philosopher. Tall and lanky, with a deep drawl that slows time, his jeans are torn and dirty, skin is tanned to umber, and his shredded leather boots sport manure.

Jul 16 2018, AMY MARTIN

Tenacious Texan preserving family's Terrell prairie

People & Prairies: This three-part series highlights people making a difference in prairie preservation. Photo by Amy Martin.

In this first installment, we meet a woman whose passion for Texas and its history saved a prairie from urban encroachment.

July 16, 2018

Jul 11 2018, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Arlington activists put light pollution in spotlight

The Arlington Conservation Council highlighted light pollution at Arlington’s 4th of July Parade, earning Best Non-Commercial Float for their "Turn on the Night" entry. Using scavenged materials, they aimed to promote the Dark Sky movement, advocating for reduced artificial lighting to preserve night skies and benefit the environment.

Jun 15 2018, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Monarch gardens give wings to classroom lessons in Denton

STEAMGrown Gardens, a Denton nonprofit founded by Jen Bailey, aims to bolster monarch butterfly habitats at underfunded schools while aligning with Texas's STEAM curriculum. The initiative involves grants and volunteer support for creating wildflower gardens that serve as educational tools and help boost student engagement and ecological knowledge.