Julie Thibodeaux

Dallas-based EarthX will host its five-day conference, a top U.S. sustainability event, from April 21-25 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. Aimed at pragmatic environmental solutions, it includes a free North Texas Day. The event unites diverse leaders to address sustainability and features various expert panels and discussions.

The 16th annual Oak Cliff Earth Day will be held Sunday, April 13, noon to 5 p.m. at Lake Cliff Park. Enjoy nearly 100 booths, food vendors, entertainment, raffles, and book signings by local author Amy Martin. Hosted by Green Source DFW, the event is sponsored by Dallas Zoo and others.

This year, we launched "Adventures with Hank," featuring Wendel “Hank” Withrow. Hank attended the 28th annual Whooping Crane Festival on the Texas Gulf Coast, showcasing endangered birds and birders at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in the mini-documentary "Chasing the Whoopers."

Behind the scenes, we're upgrading the Green Source DFW site and changing our publication's name to Green Source Texas. Thanks to Fireroad Digital and our nonprofit parent, Memnosyne Institute, we'll continue covering North Texas environmental issues while adding more stories from across the state.

'Adventures with Hank' debuts with a snowy backyard trek on Jan. 22, 2025, as part of Green Source Texas expansion. Wendel Withrow's new videos feature alter ego Handsome Hank exploring nature, starting with a backyard tour during the year's first snowstorm, emphasizing nature’s omnipresence.

The Earth, Wind and Fire Conference, hosted by the Dallas Sierra Club at Brookhaven Campus on March 1, will convene experts on local land, air, and water issues. Topics include Texas's electric grid, DFW’s water supply, and air quality.

My husband and I put up a screech owl box hoping for owls, but bees moved in instead. Ryan Giesecke from the Texas Association of Professional Bee Removers explained that it's common for honeybees to occupy these boxes in Texas. Leaving the bees can be safe if they are out of the way, offering educational and pollination benefits.

Wild Ones DFW, a new native plant group in North Texas, held a meet and greet at the Flower Mound Library. Led by Kristina Dunn, this group focuses on advocating for native plants and is the only Wild Ones chapter in Texas. They aim to collaborate, not compete, with the Native Plant Society of Texas. Dunn hopes to expand to other Texas regions due to ecological diversity.

Over a decade ago, environmentalists warned about a nuclear waste facility in West Texas. Now, the U.S. Supreme Court will review a case regarding the site's high-level radioactive waste storage plan. Despite state opposition and legal battles, Interim Storage Partners aims to store 40,000 metric tons there.

The National Solar Tour, held Oct. 4-6, features homes in Texas with renewable energy technology, including locations in Fairview, Irving, Waco, and Austin. Hosted by the American Solar Energy Society, the tour promotes solar energy adoption and provides an opportunity to discuss features with homeowners.

The Native Plant Society of Texas annually honors entities advancing its mission. This year’s awardees include Amy Martin, Cecil Carter, Kim Conrow, Betsy Farris, Kyle Cowart, Barney Lipscomb, and Lingleville ISD PTO. These individuals are recognized for contributions to conservation, research, and education in Texas native plants.

Visit the Westbrook House in Fairview during the National Solar Tour on Oct. 5, to explore its pioneering energy efficiency and eco-friendly features, built by Paul Westbrook. The house uses passive solar design, geothermal systems, and rainwater collection, showcasing sustainable living and hosting public tours to inspire similar initiatives.