Amy Martin

Senior Features Reporter

Amy Martin, a journalist and writer for more than 40 years, is a senior reporter for GreenSource DFW. Her latest book, "Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature in and round Dallas-Fort Worth,” (Wild-DFW.com) will be released by Timber Press in July 2023. She is currently creating a biographical website (NedFritz.com) of Ned Fritz, Texas' most famous environmentalist. Her prior book was "Itchy Business: How to Treat the Poison Ivy and Poison Oak Rash, Prevent Exposure and Eradicate the Plant.”(Itchy.biz)

She was contributing editor for the national magazine Garbage (recycling and features), and has written for TheaterJones (comedy and cirque), Senior Voice (The Aging Hippie column), Dallas Morning News (recycling), Dallas Times Herald (performing arts), and Dallas Observer (music and comedy). For a dozen years, Martin also operated a popular alternative news service called Moonlady News, earning her the nickname Moonlady. She may be reached through Moonlady.com.

By Amy Martin

Aug 01 2025, AMY MARTIN

It's chiggertime! How to prevent (or sooth) the itch

A prairie visit led to 52 chigger bites from brief exposure due to deviating from a paved path. Key chigger prevention tips include staying on trails, using repellent, and brushing off clothes. Chiggers' vile larval bites are treatable with proper skin care. Sulfur soap and urea aid healing, while loose, protective clothing deters bites.

Jul 24 2025, AMY MARTIN

Tough environmental topics get sweet treatment in 'Buzzed!'

"Buzzed!" is a sci-fi/horror musical satire by CJ Critt, set in the 1950s, tackling climate issues through a humorous tale involving honeybees, students, and a power-mad major. Featuring vibrant performances, diverse music, and inventive props, it runs July 24-27 in Dallas for audiences 14 and up.

Jul 18 2025, AMY MARTIN

Nature lovers outraged over clearcutting in Garland old growth forest

Bill Hitch couldn't believe it when he saw it- there was a long linear bulldozed gash in the woods - trees toppled, green intimacy obliterated on the narrow intimate trail of Fred E. Harris Greenbelt.

May 16 2025, AMY MARTIN

Rare bloom provides botanical drama at Fair Park

The local botanical grapevine has been buzzing since Texas Discovery Gardens greenhouse manager Roseanne Ferguson excitedly posted last month: "The whale's tongue agaves are sending up flower stalks!"

May 10 2025, AMY MARTIN

Texas nature leaders gather for Genie Fritz Memorial

Genie Fritz, a legendary Texas environmentalist, passed at 100, prompting tributes from conservation luminaries. Co-founder of TCONR/TCA and the Texas Land Conservancy, she was pivotal in preserving natural areas. Remembered for her social justice efforts and family devotion, her legacy spans environmental activism and civic volunteerism.

Mar 13 2025, AMY MARTIN

An annual tradition for decades, Texas Buckeye walks return for 2025

In 2021, Kristi Kerr Leonard and I hiked the neglected Ned and Genie Fritz Texas Buckeye Trail with Eileen Fritz McKee. Overgrown trails and invasive privet strangle the buckeyes. Leonard led restoration efforts, reviving the trail and Buckeye Walks in 2023, attracting dozens of first-time forest visitors.

Jul 23 2024, AMY MARTIN

Book shows artist's-eye view of Texas state parks

"The Art of Texas State Parks: A Centennial Celebration, 1923–2023" is a picture book showcasing Texas state parks through artwork by 30 renowned artists. It captures the parks' landscapes and creativity while supporting the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation.

Jul 17 2024, AMY MARTIN

Another season-ending cliffhanger for Dallas bald eagles

If you haven't been paying attention to the bald eagle drama in Dallas, you've been missing out on a thrilling saga. Catch up with this recap of a mated pair's attempt to raise their young at the urban lake.

Jun 18 2024, AMY MARTIN

Old-growth forest in Garland joins national network

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.

Jun 13 2024, AMY MARTIN

Hiker's guide to chiggers and ticks

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.

Apr 19 2024, AMY MARTIN

EarthX kicks off Monday with free 'North Texas Day'

April 19, 2024

EarthX shifted its approach this year from a sprawling, public-oriented expo with hundreds of booths at Fair Park (which is currently undergoing renovations) to a week-long series of day-long forums.

Apr 03 2024, AMY MARTIN

How to totally enjoy the North Texas eclipse

April 3, 2024

Many thousands will gather in North Texas on April 8, some coming from other states and countries, to see the total solar eclipse. Most will focus on what's occurring on the solar face as the Moon slides before it, occulting the Sun from view.

Such a pity. That's not where the real show occurs. That extravaganza will be happening around you, in the light and shadows, the shifting of winds and temperature, the behavior of animals, and more.