Nature and Wildlife

As weather warms, snake bites, though rare in fatalities, are a concern. To avoid bites, know snake behavior and species, and keep distance. First aid guidelines negate outdated practices like tourniquets. If bitten, stay calm, remove tight items, and seek hospital care. Antivenom may be needed based on symptoms.

Purchase Amy Martin's 'Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature Around Dallas-Fort Worth' on Pretty Things and Cool Stuff; proceeds support GreenSourceDFW.org. This guide, praised for its comprehensive insights into North Texas nature, enriches Green Source DFW's environmental reporting.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is determined to buy Fairfield Lake State Park’s 5,000-acre property, previously leased for decades, from its current owner, Todd Interests, who plans private development. Despite previous missed opportunities, the state remains committed to preserving and expanding the park for future generations.

Jeff Quayle, a self-taught botanist from Fort Worth, has documented nearly 2,000 plant specimens, discovered a new species named after him, and received awards for his work. His lifelong passion began in childhood, and he continues to share his knowledge through plant walks and iNaturalist.

Colleyville residents are fighting a renewed proposal to develop a historic Cross Timbers forest containing nearly 1,000 trees, some up to 200 years old. Despite initial success in halting development plans, rezoning was approved, prompting concerns over tree preservation and environmental impact. The city council will consider the proposal further in June. =

On May 5, 2023, the Fort Worth Nature Center’s Western Cross Timbers forest was inducted into the national Old-Growth Forest Network, marking the first such inclusion for a Texas forest. This recognition celebrates centuries-old oaks, emphasizing both ecological and cultural values, and encourages conservation efforts in growing urban areas.

A thriving rookery of herons and egrets resides in UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Birds exhibit "nest fidelity," returning annually to nest in wooded ravines amid urban bustle. This avian sanctuary, a recognized bird preserve since the 1960s, faces challenges but remains a vital ecological haven.

Dallas appoints Garrett Boone as the city’s first Greening Czar to transform vacant city-owned land into green spaces. Boone, a seasoned environmentalist, will lead this initiative, with an aim to create more parks and improve green space access for Dallas residents, enhancing neighborhoods across the city.

Wildlife expert Kathy Rogers, founder of Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, passed away at 73. Renowned in the DFW area, her center became a premier facility treating around 5,000 birds annually. Known for never refusing a bird, Kathy inspired many, leaving a lasting legacy in wildlife rehabilitation.