Nature and Wildlife

After canceling his initial plans due to the pandemic, UTA graduate Graham Feil completed the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail using a "Flip Flop" strategy. Despite challenges like social distancing and wildlife encounters, Feil enjoyed the solitary journey and plans more hikes, emphasizing the value of nature and urban green spaces.

The Trinity River Paddling Trail in North Texas, now a National Recreation Trail, offers diverse paddling experiences. Before exploring, check river conditions and learn basic techniques. Popular routes include the Clear, West, and Elm Forks, and the Dallas urban Main Stem. Safety tips and resources for equipment and group trips are available.

The Donovans, inspired by their daughter's desire for a park, campaigned to preserve O.S. Gray's old pecan nursery as a natural area. After advocating and rallying community support, the park was established in Arlington. They founded Friends of O.S. Gray Natural Area to maintain and enhance it.

Western rat snakes, common in North Texas, are nonvenomous and often found in garages and gardens post-summer. They're harmless to humans and help control rodent populations. Residents can safely remove them using a broom and trash can. For more information, visit the blog "Lives In Nature."

Texas native plants signal climate change's reality, says Prof. George Diggs. As Texas warms, plants struggle, affecting ecosystems, including species like the American beech tree. Changes in plant hardiness zones reflect these shifts, risking the loss of endemic species vital to the state's biodiversity.

Three University of North Texas graduates launched Wildscapers Landscaping Company to restore local ecosystems by planting Texas native plants in Denton. Their goal is to create urban "wildscapes" that serve as ecological corridors for wildlife, promoting biodiversity and resilience to climate change.

About 30 migrating birds, disoriented by Dallas's bright lights, collided with buildings this week. The Texas Conservation Alliance's survey is part of the Lights Out Texas campaign to reduce light pollution. Dallas, a major migration path, is dangerous for birds due to its urban lights.

The new Palo Pinto Mountains State Park, spanning nearly 5,000 acres of diverse terrain, will provide over 20 miles of trails, camping, and recreation, with plans for a 2023 opening. Funding efforts are ongoing, and the park promises to offer unique natural beauty in North Texas.

Jason explains why this easy grow flower is good for both birds and bees.

'Lights Out Texas,' a conservation effort by Texas nonprofits and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, aims to protect billions of migrating birds from deadly light pollution from Dallas, among others. During peak migration, participants are asked to reduce lighting from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.