Nature and Wildlife

A small lizard, endemic to southeastern New Mexico and a few West Texas counties, has been listed as endangered under the ESA after decades of delay, yet without habitat protection. Its survival is threatened by industry opposition and inadequate conservation efforts, sparking debate over its ecological value.

'Adventures with Hank' debuts with a snowy backyard trek on Jan. 22, 2025, as part of Green Source Texas expansion. Wendel Withrow's new videos feature alter ego Handsome Hank exploring nature, starting with a backyard tour during the year's first snowstorm, emphasizing nature’s omnipresence.

My husband and I put up a screech owl box hoping for owls, but bees moved in instead. Ryan Giesecke from the Texas Association of Professional Bee Removers explained that it's common for honeybees to occupy these boxes in Texas. Leaving the bees can be safe if they are out of the way, offering educational and pollination benefits.

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.

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.

Now is the time to sow wildflower seeds in Texas, as the season runs from September to mid-November. Wildflowers need winter weather to germinate for spring blooms. I advocate for native plants and prairie restoration, and sow seeds to support wildlife, with resources available from Native American Seed and Wildseed Farms.

Rattlesnakes, viewed with both fear and fascination, have cultural significance but face misunderstanding and persecution. Their rattles serve as warnings, yet myths persist about their abilities and behaviors. Despite misconceptions, rattlesnakes are mostly non-aggressive and vital to ecosystems, necessitating cautious coexistence and conservation.

The Native Plant Society of Texas annually honors entities advancing its mission. This year’s awardees include Amy Martin, Cecil Carter, Kim Conrow, Betsy Farris, Kyle Cowart, Barney Lipscomb, and Lingleville ISD PTO. These individuals are recognized for contributions to conservation, research, and education in Texas native plants.

Black-tailed prairie dogs are back at the Fort Worth Nature Center after a decade. Rescued from imminent destruction, they were relocated by Nature Center staff and collaborators. Prairie dogs play vital roles in ecosystems, but have faced challenges due to past eradication efforts. The relocation uses improved techniques, maintaining their family groups to increase survival rates.