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Nature and Wildlife

Where to see bald eagles in North Texas

March 16, 2022

Even non-birdwatchers flock to see bald eagles. 

Undeniably impressive, they boast a wingspan of over six feet with a gleaming white head and chocolate brown feathers when fully mature. Much easier to see than songbirds, but use binoculars for close-ups.

Butterflies settle in at new Fort Worth exhibit

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden's popular "Butterflies in the Garden" exhibit features around 2,500 butterflies from various continents, facing initial challenges due to weather delays. The six-week event, running through April 10, emphasizes conservation and marks a celebratory post-renovation reopening.

How North Texas natural areas are battling privet

March 4, 2022

To the untrained hiker, privet is a cheery sign of spring on the trail. But to those who care for our natural areas in DFW, it’s a formidable foe. 

"There's a greenbelt in my town,” said naturalist and native plant expert Carol Clark. “The trail seems green, leafy and inviting at first, but as you walk in, you realize because the privet grows so densely that there is no place to put a foot down anywhere but on the path.” 

And it's all surrounded by dead silence, says Clark.

Activists rally to preserve Duncanville natural area

Feb. 25, 2022

For decades, the rocky woods and grasslands along Ten Mile Creek served as a nature retreat for residents of Duncanville, as well as Cedar Hill, Desoto and southwest Dallas.

The creek runs bright and clear through limestone ledges, sometimes spilling its banks to form small wetlands. River otters frolic in the water while great blue herons stalk fish. Beyond the riparian woods, hawks and owls hunt in open areas where scattered wildflowers bloom for pollinators.

Coping tools can help heal 'environmental grief'

Coping tools like sharing feelings, celebrating natural places, advocating for nature, practicing mindfulness, honoring beloved sites, and counseling can help heal environmental grief, which arises from witnessing ecological losses due to growth and climate change, and reflects a deep human connection to nature.

Residents got rid of Shingle Mountain. Is a park in their future?

Residents celebrated the removal of Shingle Mountain, a massive shingle heap, from Floral Farms. Now, they aim to transform the contaminated site into a regional park. Activists are collaborating with local entities and seeking city engagement to secure rezoning and funding for the project's realization.

Critter-related phobias can keep us from enjoying nature

Critter-related phobias, such as fear of spiders, often stem from personal experiences, observations of others, or inherent sensitivity. Effective management involves exposure and cognitive behavioral therapy. Awareness and understanding can help reduce fears and enable enjoyment of nature. Michael Smith will discuss these phobias on March 15 at Sheri Capehart Nature Preserve.

National Butterfly Center closes indefinitely, citing threats

The National Butterfly Center in Texas is closed indefinitely due to safety threats from conspiracy theorists. The center, embroiled in border wall controversies, faces defamation and escalating threats. It hosts thousands of visitors annually and advocates for environmental education. The Center awaits the green light from authorities to reopen.