Jim Domke

The Great American Cleanup Campaign, sponsored by Keep America Beautiful, involves communities nationwide in litter cleanup efforts. Despite criticism of shifting blame from corporations to citizens, volunteers continue impactful cleanup initiatives. Upcoming events are planned in Grapevine, Dallas, and Fort Worth.

In Flower Mound, conservation efforts focus on preserving native plants and ecosystems. The town's Environmental Services Department promotes eco-friendly gardening, while educational programs and videos foster community engagement. Significant sites include a historic flower mound and a pollinator garden, demonstrating a commitment to balancing development and environmental preservation.

During a scorching summer, college students Kimberly Villarreal, Jacob Estes, and Paige Priddy interned at Tandy Hills Natural Area, supported by the North Texas Community Foundation's Conservation and Environment Fund. They gained hands-on skills in natural resources management and addressed challenges like invasive species and park mismanagement.

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.

Texas State Parks mark their 100th anniversary with free entry during celebrations. Events highlight historic achievements and focus on future improvements while raising funds for park enhancements. Despite challenges, like the potential loss of Fairfield Lake Park and new ventures like Palo Pinto Mountains Park, the Centennial aims to engage more visitors statewide.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, we may remember the story told to us as children about a friendly potluck between pilgrims and Native American tribes in New England. We now know that story has been mythologized and ignores the bloody conflict between early settlers and the indigenous people.

Ryan Elliott left his corporate job to pursue a passion for arboriculture, launching Treehugger Tree Service. Caleb Geer, influenced by his father's tree business, started Urban Tree Merchants, creating products from local tree waste. They promote sustainable tree care, recycling urban wood into custom items.

The UTA Native American Student Association's 26th annual Scholarship Benefit Powwow returned this June after a two-year hiatus. Hosted in Arlington, the event attracted a diverse audience and featured Native American dancing, exhibits, and booths promoting social change. UTA announced a new scholarship and highlighted its Indigenous Land Acknowledgment.

The 60-acre Southwest Arlington preserve was renamed Sheri Capehart Nature Preserve, honoring the former council member who helped acquire it. Capehart, a passionate environmentalist, served Arlington from 2000-2020. The park, featuring diverse ecosystems and wildlife, thrives through contributions from dedicated volunteers and local partnerships.

Providence Village in Denton County was honored with PETA's “Compassionate Town Award” for innovative measures to protect ducklings from storm drains, using recycled sediment control guards to prevent them from falling in. This solution emerged during the pandemic and is credited with resolving the issue.

Cities and colleges in North Texas collaborate with Bee City USA to aid endangered pollinators, threatened by habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. Denton, Arlington, Grapevine, and universities like UNT are enhancing green spaces and launching educational initiatives to create bee-friendly environments.

New public artworks in DFW parks highlight ecological themes. Patrick Dougherty's "Playin' Hooky" at Fort Worth Botanic Garden uses elm saplings, while "When Air Becomes Sky" and "Art + Knowledge" celebrate nature. Other installations include "Stacked Friends" in Dallas and Shelby David Meier’s exhibit at Nasher Sculpture Center.