Nature and Wildlife

Jan 27 2022, AMY MARTIN

Austin-based land trust acquires Connemara's holdings

Jan. 27, 2022

Have you ever visited Oak Cliff Nature Preserve or been to Kachina Prairie in Ennis, or Cibolo Preserve north of San Antonio?

Perhaps you've noticed a large swath of natural land surrounded by development near I-35 and W. Beltline Road.

Jan 24 2022, JULIE THIBODEAUX

New Year's butterflies lead to questions about global warming

After saving a freeze-stunned queen butterfly, the author explored butterfly behavior in North Texas, noting climate change's impact on migration patterns and ecosystems. Experts emphasize butterflies' critical role in pollination and the risks they face, highlighting the need for increased awareness of climate-related challenges.

Jan 21 2022, AMY MARTIN

Former Boy Scout camp shelters nature in urban Dallas

Jan. 21, 2022

It was 1999, and the news was circulating in north Oak Cliff like wildfire.

Developers sought to buy and rezone the 160 rugged, wooded acres of the Boy Scouts’ old Camp Brooklawn. It was a stab to the heart for those Oak Cliff residents who'd spent their childhoods playing in the woods along Five Mile Creek back in the 1930s when the area was rural, except for a few abbreviated thoroughfares.

Jan 19 2022, BRANDI ADDISON

Fort Worth Botanic Garden aims to be 'beacon for conservation'

Fort Worth Botanic Garden, merged with BRIT in 2020, is creating a 20-year master plan with Studio Outside to enhance facilities and focus on conservation. Community input is sought through forums to promote environmental impact, education, and sustainability, aiming to be a conservation leader statewide.

Jan 12 2022, MICHAEL SMITH

Can the horny toad bounce back?

The Texas horned lizard, a rare reptile, has been disappearing from its native regions due to habitat changes and reduced prey availability. Efforts by zoos and conservationists focus on captive breeding and reintroduction, with successful releases showing promise but requiring suitable habitat and significant effort for broader reintroduction.

Jan 11 2022, AMY MARTIN

Backyard feeders may provide hunting ground for hawks

On this warm winter day, it’s busy at the bird feeders outside my office window with the usual backyard crew.

Jan 07 2022, GREEN TIP GUY

Green Tip Guy: Chia pets can help house plants

Jason introduces a novel use for terracotta chia pots in supporting house plants.

Jan 03 2022, JOHN KENT

North Texas teen racks up lofty birding score

In a birding career that has spanned more than half of his life, Ty Allen of Burleson has observed and logged 284 avian species in Johnson County, 371 throughout Texas and 383 in the United States. It’s a count that is continually being revised upward.

Not bad for someone who just turned 19.

Dec 23 2021, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Fort Worth buys 275 acres for new park

Fort Worth procured 275 acres for Rock Creek Ranch Park, located by Rocky Creek Ranch and Benbrook Lake, preserving portions as natural land. Acquired for $6.75 million, it combines Open Space, park fees, and bond funds. Planned amenities and natural areas emphasize community input, with development post-2026 bond program.

Dec 10 2021, JOHN KENT

New land acquired by Fort Worth Nature Center will serve as buffer

The Fort Worth Nature Center, one of the largest U.S. municipal parks, added 29.5 acres, serving as a buffer from commercial activity. This land, approved by the Fort Worth City Council, aids in conservation efforts and may host future developments. The acquisition aligns with long-term preservation goals.