Julie Thibodeaux

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.

Liveable Arlington, alongside Greenpeace Paris and Stop Total, protested Total Energies' fracking expansion in Arlington, Texas, citing health risks and environmental injustice. Total, operating nearly 200 wells in Arlington, faces local pushback, especially near schools and daycares, with plans to add 10 new wells.

The Air Sensor Summit on Sept. 19 in Dallas, hosted by city partners, will discuss low-cost air sensors. It features speakers from EPA and academia. The city has installed 24 sensors through D-CAMP to supplement existing monitors, addressing local air quality concerns. The free event includes lunch.

The Arlington Conservation Council, a long-time environmental advocate, partnered with UTA in 2022 to launch an endowment supporting environmental scholarship and research. The fund, managed by UTA, supports student projects like sustainable urban planning and Vehicle to Grid technology.

Liveable Arlington will premiere a short film by Michael Rowley on Saturday, July 27, at 4 p.m. at UT Arlington, highlighting fracking impacts and grassroots advocacy. The 12-minute documentary and subsequent discussion with Rowley aim to raise awareness of urban drilling dangers and mobilize community opposition.

The Reptile Appreciation Workshop on Aug. 3 in Garland, hosted by the North Texas Master Naturalists and Texas Parks and Wildlife, educates about reptiles' benefits and debunks myths. Experts will speak on various species, including snakes, alligators, anoles, and red-eared sliders. The workshop costs $40, including lunch.

Many people are avoiding fireworks due to concerns about loud noises disrupting pets and trauma survivors, pollution from heavy metals, and wildfire risk. Cities are opting for drone shows as an alternative. Despite drones' own wildlife disturbance and light pollution issues, they are seen as a more sustainable choice.

Trolls in Austin's Pease Park defy typical negative connotations; Danish artist Thomas Dambo created an 18-foot eco-friendly sculpture, "Malin's Fountain," from recycled materials. This whimsical troll highlights water conservation, reflecting Dambo’s mission to encourage eco-awareness and revalue discarded items.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission banned canned hunting and limited trap holding times for mountain lions, aligning Texas with other states regulating mountain lion management. This decision followed a significant public response supporting protective measures. Future management may include mandatory harvest reporting to gather data on mountain lion populations.

A report from a six-month investigation by Earthworks, Liveable Arlington, and others highlights that gas wells in Arlington, Texas, are leaking dangerous emissions, particularly impacting communities of color. A study focused on Total Energies’ wells revealed emissions from 25 sites, raising public health concerns for 400,000 nearby residents.