Nature and Wildlife

Dr. Carly Aulicky, recently appointed as North Texas Outreach and Stewardship Director for the Native Prairies Association of Texas, focuses on preserving diminishing prairies amidst rapid development. Her efforts include engaging communities through educational programs and collaborations, emphasizing prairies’ ecological benefits and Texas heritage.

The 60-acre Southwest Arlington preserve was renamed Sheri Capehart Nature Preserve, honoring the former council member who helped acquire it. Capehart, a passionate environmentalist, served Arlington from 2000-2020. The park, featuring diverse ecosystems and wildlife, thrives through contributions from dedicated volunteers and local partnerships.

Collin County residents, led by Sylvia Roy, oppose a proposed wastewater plant by Restore the Grasslands LLC, fearing it will harm Maxwell Creek's ecology. The plant would release large volumes of treated effluent into the creek. Local governments and environmental groups have joined in opposition, prompting TCEQ to hold a public meeting.

Providence Village in Denton County was honored with PETA's “Compassionate Town Award” for innovative measures to protect ducklings from storm drains, using recycled sediment control guards to prevent them from falling in. This solution emerged during the pandemic and is credited with resolving the issue.

Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Texas, which cares for over 5,000 wild birds annually, is raising funds for a $20,000 generator after narrowly avoiding disaster during the 2021 winter storm. Many migratory birds rely on heating to survive winter; the center aims to ensure backup power availability.

Spending time in nature doing nothing can rejuvenate the mind and body through mindfulness. Recent outdoor experiences, such as sitting quietly and observing natural surroundings like grasses and butterflies, highlight the benefits. Practicing mindfulness in nature helps individuals focus on the present, enhancing both mental and physical well-being.

Plant researchers have difficulty finding field photos of nearly half of the 125,000 plant species in the Americas. Existing resources are scattered across various platforms, lacking a comprehensive global database. Researchers stress the urgent need for a unified database to aid identification and conservation efforts.

"Lights Out Texas" urges residents to turn off lights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. during peak migration months to prevent bird collisions. Texas, a key migration route, sees up to a billion birds affected by lit buildings. The campaign involves organizations like Texan by Nature and Texas A&M University.

Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center celebrates its 10th anniversary starting October 2, with six months of festivities including walks and activities. Located in DFW, it features accessible trails and diverse wildlife. Founded by David Hurt, it's a sanctuary for nature exploration and education, with future expansion and programs planned.

Volunteers counted dead birds in Dallas to assess the impact of the Lights Out Texas campaign, aimed at reducing building collisions during migration. Though results are preliminary, efforts focus on statewide awareness and lighting reduction. Texas, a crucial flyway, highlights the significant role of lighting in bird mortality.