John Kent

Tanner and Layce Smith of Fort Worth replaced their old Nissan Altima with an affordable, used Chevrolet Bolt EV, named Olaf. Enthusiastic about the benefits and cost-efficiency of electric vehicles, they join a growing trend in Dallas-Fort Worth, where used EV prices are dropping amidst rising EV popularity.

Nature officially reclaims Fort Worth’s Broadcast Hill as prairie supporters celebrate its addition to Tandy Hills Natural Area. The 52-acre parcel, saved from commercialization, expands the greenspace to 210 acres. The success followed years of advocacy, city collaboration, and financial support, ensuring ecological preservation within the city.

A planned water reclamation plant in Fort Worth aims to discharge treated wastewater into Mary’s Creek, sparking concern over environmental impacts. Opponents propose routing effluent to larger reservoirs, while the city upholds plans citing advanced treatment technology. Disagreements may delay the plant's 2026 opening.

'Green' yard crews offer quiet, fume-free services using battery-electric equipment instead of gasoline-powered tools. Pioneered by Clean Air Lawn Care franchisees like Ellyn and Scott Golub and Christopher Fox, these services prioritize sustainability by using organic methods and solar-recharged electric mowers, significantly reducing noise and pollution.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden, after introducing its first admission fee, will be managed by the Botanical Research Institute of Texas. This partnership aims to boost attendance, enhance education and volunteer programs, and increase funding. The city retains land ownership, while BRIT will manage fees and memberships.

A North Texas cemetery offers green burials, a sustainable alternative to traditional methods, avoiding toxic embalming and using biodegradable materials. Certified by the Green Burial Council, it minimizes environmental impact by reducing waste and emissions. Owner Stephen Harris envisions greater adoption as awareness grows.

Joseph Woodbury's company, Neighbor, offers a sustainable alternative to traditional storage by enabling people to rent out unused space at home in a peer-to-peer model. Entering the DFW market, Neighbor provides affordable storage, environmental benefits, and passive income opportunities, distinguishing itself with insurance and security measures.

On April 22, 1970, to honor Earth Day, Fort Worth teen Allen Gartner commuted to school on a unicycle instead of his Cadillac. He joined classmates using alternative transport methods. Gartner's effort, captured in a yearbook photo, left a lasting impression, inspiring a lifelong environmental commitment.

Both the Dallas and Fort Worth zoos, though closed to the public due to Covid-19, continue animal care routines and bolster online engagements. Staffing and financial challenges persist; Dallas Zoo even launched an Emergency Operations Fund. Measures are in place for social distancing, and animals enjoy more freedom during the closure.

City of Fort Worth secures a 50-acre undeveloped area next to Tandy Hills Natural Area, enhancing the preserve to over 210 acres. With the city's $620,000 purchase, supported by Friends of Tandy Hills, future residential development is prevented, ensuring the land remains a natural sanctuary.

The Climate Book Club, launched by Citizens Climate Lobby DFW, meets monthly in Dallas to enhance environmental literacy. Organized by Dr. Melissa Rose Heer-Ahmed, the club tackles complex climate change issues through books like "Storms of My Grandchildren" and encourages public engagement in climate solutions.

TEDxSMU, now including offsite excursions for the first time, features activities like kayaking and urban farm tours on March 6. These trips aim to enhance the conference experience and expose participants to unique Dallas areas.