Nature and Wildlife

Hiking McCommas Bluff Preserve is a challenging 7-mile trek through Dallas's storied wilderness. The trail, notorious for illegal activities and environmental degradation, rewards hikers with scenic views of the Trinity River and a charming prairie. Despite urban encroachment, the preserve offers an intense encounter with nature’s beauty and history.

While the nation grapples with the pandemic and racial injustice protests, the Trump administration continues to roll back environmental protections, reversing over 60 rules since 2017. Key rollbacks include changes to emissions rules, wetland protections, and wildlife protections. Various resources track these changes, such as Harvard and Columbia Law Schools.

In River Legacy Park, Jim Sipiora discovered a sophisticated trap holding an indigo bunting, used to lure females. Arlington's Warden released the bird and confiscated an iPhone leading to a local suspect. This incident has sparked a wide investigation involving multiple agencies into the illegal trapping of birds for black market sales.

A planned water reclamation plant in Fort Worth aims to discharge treated wastewater into Mary’s Creek, sparking concern over environmental impacts. Opponents propose routing effluent to larger reservoirs, while the city upholds plans citing advanced treatment technology. Disagreements may delay the plant's 2026 opening.

The Trinity Forest & AT&T Trail's final stretch, a mix of paved and dirt paths, connects the Trinity River Audubon Center, Texas Horse Park, Trinity Forest Golf Club, and Joppa Preserve. The hike features serene forest trails, wildflowers, and swampy areas, despite development threats, offering a glimpse into an idyllic landscape shaped by nature.

The Trinity Forest and AT&T Trail offers over eight miles of paved paths connecting the Trinity River Audubon Center, Texas Horse Park, Trinity Forest Golf Club, and Joppa Preserve. The trail, though controversial among naturalists, is a lush, shaded route through bottomland forests, featuring diverse trees and wildlife.

Do you have a green place that restores you? I go to my neighborhood creek trail, White Rock Trail in north Dallas, as often as I can. Walking  in the fresh air, with the murmur of flowing water and trees stirring in the breeze, brings me back to myself.

The Trinity Forest and AT&T Trail is a paved path connecting natural landmarks. While criticized for its environmental impact, it provides accessible exploration of the Great Trinity Forest. A three-part series documents this trail, highlighting its recreational opportunities and environmental challenges amidst industrial and natural landscapes.

Homebound North Texans can explore nature online through virtual lessons and live events hosted by local nature reserves on platforms like Facebook and Zoom. These digital offerings, including guided hikes and educational programming, enable interactive experiences and have attracted significant viewer engagement. Nature centers are expanding their digital reach as a response to high interest.

Fort Worth-based turtle expert Andrew Brinker says if you find a turle in the middle of the street, you should carry it across the road in the direction it was going. That’s because, most of the time, it knows where it’s headed.