Julie Thibodeaux

The Texas Legislature designated Chorioactis geaster, "Texas Star," as the State Mushroom. Native to North Texas, this rare fungus grows on decaying cedar elm stumps and is also found in Japan. Not for consumption, its unique star shape and hissing spore release highlight Texas's natural diversity.

The June show of Green Source's online broadcast, celebrating Green Juneteenth, will address local environmental justice issues through a racial lens. Guests include Ernest McMillan, discussing his civil rights involvement, Collin Yarbrough on the Environmental Injustice Archive, and Dawan Shockley about the Wyatt-Shockley Community Garden.

The May episode of Green Source On the Air features Howard Garrett on organic gardening, and plant-based entrepreneurs Kelli Myatt of Healthy Hippie Cafe, and Andrew Ridout of Frankly Good vegan cookies. Join hosts Wendel Withrow and Victoria Howard for insights on sustainable living.

The month’s Green Source On the Air online show will feature two experts who sound like a couple of green super heros – the Dirt Doctor and the Healthy Hippie.

Green Source DFW launched "Green Source On the Air" on Earth Day to expand its environmental news reach. The inaugural show, aired via Zoom, featured interviews with environmental activists and concluded with a Montopolis band performance. The next show airs May 21, supported by Dallas College and other organizations.

The 2020 Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership Awards were held virtually due to the pandemic, with trophies later hand-delivered. Winners included Marsha Jackson, Olinka Green, Dale Crownover, and others recognized for environmental justice, innovation, activism, and reporting. Deliveries faced delays due to Covid and weather challenges.

Restoring native plants in North Texas enhances ecosystems due to their drought tolerance and support for wildlife. Several garden centers and the Native Plant Society of Texas facilitate access. Native plant sales are reopening, offering diverse selections and fostering community involvement in native flora conservation.

Dallas-based EarthxFilm's 5th edition starts April 16, offering drive-in, outdoor, and online screenings until April 25. The festival, in conjunction with EarthX's annual exposition, showcases environmental films, including "Playing with Sharks" and "Percy Vs. Goliath," highlighting filmmakers and awarding $25,000 in cash prizes.

"Green Source On the Air" launches April 22. This new monthly program by Green Source DFW will feature environmental topics, interviews, and entertainment. The Earth Day show includes speakers like Marsha Jackson and Amy Martin, support from Dallas College, and music by Montopolis.

Tree advocates warn that big trees are being destroyed for development in Fort Worth, urging stronger preservation measures. The Texas Historic Tree Coalition highlights the environmental benefits of mature trees and challenges with existing ordinances. Fort Worth's Open Space Conservation Program and Dallas' strong tree ordinance aim to protect significant trees.

Richard Powers’ novel, "The Overstory," gives trees starring roles, blending research with storytelling to emphasize their importance. Through vivid characters and poetic narratives, Powers challenges human exceptionalism and environmental issues. He hopes the book inspires a shift in consciousness about the significance of nonhuman life.

Fort Worth partnered with Downtown Fort Worth Inc to dim lights for migrating birds, as part of Lights Out Texas, helping billions of birds navigate safely. This aligns with initiatives inspired by BirdCast and other conservation efforts to tackle light pollution, crucial since many U.S. birds migrate via Texas.