Julie Thibodeaux

Fort Worth procured 275 acres for Rock Creek Ranch Park, located by Rocky Creek Ranch and Benbrook Lake, preserving portions as natural land. Acquired for $6.75 million, it combines Open Space, park fees, and bond funds. Planned amenities and natural areas emphasize community input, with development post-2026 bond program.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency appointed Dr. Eartha Nance as the new administrator for Region 6, succeeding David Gray. Michael Fletcher was named Co-CEO of EarthX. Both bring extensive expertise to their roles, with Nance focusing on environmental justice and Fletcher on expanding EarthxTV's reach.

Fort Worth plans to purchase two solar-powered waterwheels in collaboration with Tarrant Regional Water District to clean litter from the Trinity River. These eco-friendly machines, inspired by Baltimore's successful "Mr. Trashwheel," aim to enhance water quality and aesthetics, with funding sought for construction and maintenance.

The 10th annual Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership Awards is on Nov. 18, 2021, at 6 p.m. via Zoom, honoring North Texas environmental leaders. Keynote by Lance Tahmahkera, Comanche Chief Quanah Parker's descendant.

Winners of the 2021 Green Source DFW Awards were announced for categories including Conservation Activist, Environmental Justice, Green Project, and more, recognizing local leaders and initiatives in North Texas. The virtual event will be held on Nov. 18 on Zoom, with Lance Tahmahkera as the keynote speaker.

Green Source On the Air, airing Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. on Zoom, features tarantula experts Leah Patton and Bill Freiheit discussing the Hentzi Project. The show also includes spooky tales from Wendel Withrow and Liz Wheelan, and humorous camping stories by Jeanne Robertson.

Three North Texans, including Wendel Withrow, Renee Roberson, and Haley Samsel, will be honored at the Texas Sierra Club Environmental Awards on October 16 at Chez Zee American Bistro in Austin. The event will be held both in-person and virtually, recognizing their environmental advocacy.

An Afghan immigrant family in Plano received solar panel installation assistance from Solar United Neighbors and Habitat for Humanity. After immigrating to the U.S. in 2015, they partnered with these organizations for renewable energy benefits. The project was supported by RISE Power and praised by Plano Solar Advocates.

Texas disputes NRC's approval of a high-level radioactive waste facility in West Texas, contradicting recent state law. Environmentalists and local groups contest the site's legality and safety, citing risks to the Ogallala Aquifer and on-route cities. Critics also challenge the site's "temporary" status amidst broader nuclear waste challenges.

"Green Source On the Air" will focus on food justice this month, highlighting challenges faced by North Texans due to environmental issues and the pandemic. Guests include Dawan Shockley, Tramonica Brown, Marcus Russell, and Todd Collier, discussing community responses, food insecurity solutions, and environmental connections on Zoom.

Green Source On the Air will highlight women’s contributions to the environmental movement, featuring panelists like Georgeann Moss and Margie Haley. Sponsored by Dallas College, the episode airs on August 19 at 6 p.m., focusing on diverse women protecting the environment and offering sustainable solutions. Join on Zoom for free.

Last call to nominate for the 10th annual GSDFW Sustainable Leadership Awards by Oct. 22, 2021. Categories: Environmental Science and Innovation, Conservation Activist, Green Project or Program, and Coke Buchanan Volunteer of the Year. Virtual awards on Nov. 18, 2021.