Nature and Wildlife

A new book, *Wild Houston*, part of Timber Press's Wild Series, reveals Houston as a biodiversity hotspot. It explores the area's Gulf Coastal Plain ecosystem with a 352-page guide on plants, wildlife, and 25 field trips, debunking misconceptions about Houston's natural beauty. Co-authors Suzanne Simpson and John Williams detail Houston’s unique flora and fauna.

Trolls in Austin's Pease Park defy typical negative connotations; Danish artist Thomas Dambo created an 18-foot eco-friendly sculpture, "Malin's Fountain," from recycled materials. This whimsical troll highlights water conservation, reflecting Dambo’s mission to encourage eco-awareness and revalue discarded items.

Spring Creek Forest Preserve in Garland joins the Old-Growth Forest Network as only the second Texas site recognized for healthy old-growth forests. Saved by community and environmentalist efforts, it showcases rare, century-old trees. Celebrations included educational walks and speeches, emphasizing continued preservation.

Chiggers and ticks, summer's tiny pests, await hosts like mammals and birds. Chiggers are mite larvae, and ticks can carry diseases. To prevent bites, wear long, light clothing, apply permethrin and repellents, and use DEET or lemon eucalyptus repellents. Post-exposure, shower promptly, treat bites, and monitor for symptoms.

Harold Simmons Park along the Trinity River in Dallas, after 25 years in planning, will break ground this year. The 250-acre park, funded by a $50 million donation, includes various features in and outside the floodplain, focusing on sustainability, green spaces, and community engagement.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission banned canned hunting and limited trap holding times for mountain lions, aligning Texas with other states regulating mountain lion management. This decision followed a significant public response supporting protective measures. Future management may include mandatory harvest reporting to gather data on mountain lion populations.

Artificial light enables 24/7 human activity but disrupts wildlife reliant on dark skies, harming birds, bats, and more. Michael Rymer and Cindy Luongo Cassidy discuss mitigating light pollution's impact through smarter lighting like shields and timers, emphasizing reduced environmental and energy costs for Texas wildlife conservation.

The restored Marty Leonard Lotus Marsh Boardwalk at Fort Worth Nature Center was officially reopened on Earth Day. It features upgrades including a new Lotus Marsh Pavilion and accessible design. The project, funded by grants and fees, highlights the marsh's ecological value and accommodates all visitors, including those with disabilities.

Fireflies are disappearing in Texas, primarily due to habitat loss, pollution, and urban sprawl. Biologist Ben Pfeiffer founded Firefly Conservation and Research to preserve fireflies. He advocates for habitat restoration, reducing light pollution, and educating the public through watch parties and habitat certifications to help their conservation.