Jim Domke

Dallas transformed a shopping center parking lot at 6959 Arapaho Road into Hillcrest Village Green Park. The project, championed by former council member Sandy Greyson, involved collaboration with SHOP Cos. and city funds, revitalizing the space with green areas and attracting businesses, setting a template for urban renewal.

The Donovans, inspired by their daughter's desire for a park, campaigned to preserve O.S. Gray's old pecan nursery as a natural area. After advocating and rallying community support, the park was established in Arlington. They founded Friends of O.S. Gray Natural Area to maintain and enhance it.

Three University of North Texas graduates launched Wildscapers Landscaping Company to restore local ecosystems by planting Texas native plants in Denton. Their goal is to create urban "wildscapes" that serve as ecological corridors for wildlife, promoting biodiversity and resilience to climate change.

A fracking watchdog group in Arlington opposes the approval of seven new gas wells at the Rocking Horse site without public input. The site, near a daycare, required only administrative approval due to a 2013 permit. The group urges public hearings, citing health risks and demanding stricter setbacks.

As Covid-19 restricts gym access, North Texans turn to bike trails, leading to a nationwide biking boom and bicycle shortages. Local bike sales surged, and enthusiasts like Peter Bergamini adapt by biking early at River Legacy Park. The community embraces cycling for health, following guidelines and exploring shaded trails.

Arlington Council member Sheri Capehart is pushing for an updated tree ordinance to protect local post oaks. The proposed ordinance aims to safeguard smaller trees and reduce parking requirements if significant trees are preserved. Despite developer opposition, tree advocates emphasize the environmental and economic benefits of protecting native oak trees.

At 68, Michael Smith, an Arlington reptile expert and licensed therapist, is publishing a herpetology guide for teens, targeted to cultivate a love for reptiles and nature. His passion for reptiles began early, leading to co-founding the Dallas-Fort Worth Herpetological Society and writing various guides, including a mindfulness-in-nature book.

In River Legacy Park, Jim Sipiora discovered a sophisticated trap holding an indigo bunting, used to lure females. Arlington's Warden released the bird and confiscated an iPhone leading to a local suspect. This incident has sparked a wide investigation involving multiple agencies into the illegal trapping of birds for black market sales.

A grassroots group in Arlington successfully opposed a French energy company's proposal for new gas wells near a daycare. The City Council voted 6-3 against it amid health, pollution, and racial injustice concerns, with testimonies highlighting the impacts on vulnerable communities.

Homebound North Texans can explore nature online through virtual lessons and live events hosted by local nature reserves on platforms like Facebook and Zoom. These digital offerings, including guided hikes and educational programming, enable interactive experiences and have attracted significant viewer engagement. Nature centers are expanding their digital reach as a response to high interest.

Organic strawberries at Storm Farms, Arlington, will ripen early this year. The farm, offering U-Pick strawberries and other crops, is located in Dalworthington Gardens. Proprietor Johanna Storm, adding new crops annually, emphasizes agricultural practices and community engagement. Visits are recommended via Storm Farms' Facebook or web page.

Angel Carter initiated the Fish Creek Cleanup Challenge after noticing persistent litter at Fish Creek Linear Park in Arlington. Despite COVID-19, the third annual event proceeds on January 30, 2021, adhering to social distancing. In 2020, 800 volunteers participated. Carter emphasizes education and community engagement for effective volunteer recruitment.