Julie Thibodeaux

EarthX, founded by Dallas philanthropist Trammell S. Crow, is a large Earth Day festival held April 26-28 at Fair Park, Dallas. It features eco-exhibitors, conferences, the EarthxFilm festival, the Tiny House Village, the Vegan Village, and new additions like the EarthX app and EarthxLeague.

DFW is competing globally in the iNaturalist City Nature Challenge April 26-29, observing wildlife. Led by biologist Sam Kieschnick, participants photograph species in North Texas, with top observations contributing to the DFW count. iNaturalist data helps track species and ecosystem health, engaging amateur naturalists worldwide.

Fort Worth launched a pilot residential composting program, a North Texas first. For an annual $20 fee, residents receive composting supplies and access to collection sites. The initiative aims to reduce landfill waste and methane emissions while creating valuable gardening products. Over 200 participants joined in the first week.

The state Sierra Club chapter honored North Texans for environmental contributions during the 2019 Lone Star Sierra Club Awards in Austin, including Mark Stein for leadership in fundraising, and Temeckia Derrough for activism. Green Source DFW received an Environmental Reporting Award.

The fifth annual Green Source DFW Run for the Environment took place on April 15, 2019, with Alberto Trevino winning first place and Karen Benitez as the fastest female. The event, benefiting Green Source DFW, was part of Oak Cliff Earth Day and featured sunny weather at Lake Cliff Park.

Texan by Nature, a conservation nonprofit founded by Laura Bush, announced its 2019 Conservation Wranglers, recognizing innovative Texas projects. Honorees include initiatives for paddling trails, wetlands restoration, water conservation, oyster recycling, reef restoration, and grassland recovery. Each will receive tailored support to enhance their conservation efforts.

Nuclear waste opponents, including Adrian Shelley, are protesting Texas bills SB 1021 and HB 2269, backed by Waste Control Specialists, fearing potential expansion of nuclear waste dumps in Texas. Shelley and allies seek a ban on high-level waste, citing safety risks to Texans and urging legislative action.

A Texas bill, SB 1993, threatens environmental protests by making civil disobedience at critical infrastructure sites a second-degree felony. Opposed by various local groups, the bill also holds organizations liable for member actions and could affect various protests and property rights, infringing on First Amendment rights.

A state district judge ordered Blue Star Recycling to remove a five-story pile of asphalt shingles near Marsha Jackson's home within 90 days. Despite zoning law claims, Blue Star agreed to close under pressure. Jackson suffered from the pollution, and local activists celebrated the decision.

Earth Day celebrations in North Texas span April weekends with events like Arlington's River Legacy Earth Day, Lewisville's ColorPalooza, and Dallas's Oak Cliff Earth Day. Activities include nature walks, art, environmental education, and more. EarthX film festival and eco expo feature screenings and exhibits promoting environmental awareness.

Sustainability advocates from DFW gathered at UTA to launch the Regional Center of Expertise North Texas. The center, led by Meghna Tare, aims to advance sustainable education without implementing policies and will focus on the UN’s goals in education, health, and sustainable communities. Five committees will guide its initiatives.

A Dallas nonprofit's third annual Conservation Cup enlisted teens from local schools to clean Harry Moss Park. They competed to collect the most trash, highlighting the park's litter problem exacerbated by flooding. Conrad High won, emphasizing ongoing cleanup efforts and fostering youth's environmental engagement.