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Nature and Wildlife

Local experts say plant native milkweed for monarchs arriving in October

According to the National Wildlife Federation, there are dozens of milkweed species native to the United States, some of which are highly endangered. For monarch butterflies, these are must-have plants because monarchs will only lay their eggs on milkweeds. Above, monarchs feast on native milkweeds. Courtesy of National Wildlife Federation

Aug. 24, 2015

Texas Envirothon team wins third at North American competition

NCF-Envirothon, North America’s largest high school environmental education competition, tests teams on their knowledge of soils and land use, aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife and a current issue (2015 Urban/Community Forests).

Dallas company creating buzz with home-brewed eco-friendly mosquito repellent

 

Dallas-based Bug-Bouncer sells eco-friendly mosquito repellent in three blends. Photos courtesy of Marla McDonald.

Aug. 5, 2015

While there are a number of eco-friendly mosquito repellents on the market, Marla McDonald of Dallas and Stephen Sawyer of Austin got the itch to sell their own version called Bug-Bouncer last year. Now they're scrambling to keep the product in stock with orders swarming in from as far away as Hawaii.

ACC's bird float misses flight in Fourth parade

Arlington Conservation Council volunteers pose in front of their state bird float. The birds were made from old pizza boxes and magazines. Photos courtesy of Paul Knudsen.

July 14, 2015

Every year, the Arlington Conservation Council trys to top themselves with their creative floats bearing sustainable themes for the Arlington Fourth of July parade. 

Dallas shark advocate celebrates Texas shark fin ban

In June, Texas joined California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Delaware, New York and Massachusetts in banning the shark fin trade. Courtesy of Sea Shepherd.

July 1, 2015

Last month, Texas became the 10th U.S. state to ban the shark fin trade, thanks to the backing of powerful animal advocacy groups, including the U.S. Humane Society, Humane Society International and Oceana. But it was a shark-loving environmentalist in Dallas who was the first to dive into the statewide campaign.

North Texas Wild: Be mosquito-free outdoors with these eco-friendly insect repellents

June 24, 2015

The deadliest insect on Earth, a mosquito is a formidable opponent that’s had 200 million years to perfect its game. Here’s how to win with natural and non-toxic approaches to bug repellents.

Hiking and enjoying the outdoors should not be a bloodletting affair. Getting a serious blood-borne disease is even worse. Along with sunscreen and poison ivy barrier lotions, mosquito repellents are essential. (We’ll get to chigger repellents another time.)