Julie Thibodeaux

A task force is considering a $12 admission fee for the Fort Worth Botanic Garden to fund $3.7 million in infrastructure repairs. Concerns arise about accessibility for low-income visitors. The task force will make a recommendation to the City Council, with discussions ongoing through TCEA meetings.

Native plant sales in North Texas promote sustainable gardening, emphasizing drought-tolerant species that support wildlife. The Native Plant Society of Texas, founded in 1981, and Dr. Doug Tallamy advocate for native plants' ecological roles. Various sales occur in the region throughout April and May.

The Tyler Museum of Art presents "Sticks and Stones," a retrospective of Fort Worth artist Helen Altman. Displaying works from 1992 onwards, the exhibit reflects Altman's fascination with nature, blending realism and surrealism with elements of nostalgia. It explores themes like artificiality and irony, on view until June 3.

The Healthy Hippie, a vegan-vegetarian cafe in Watauga, offers new plant-based brunch options. Founded by Kelli Myatt, a fitness and nutrition coach, the cafe provides a variety of vegan dishes and aims for zero waste. Myatt promotes a peaceful transition to plant-based eating.

The Arlington City Council denied Total E&P Barnett USA's request to reduce the gas drilling setback from 600 feet to 319 feet. The decision followed protests from local residents, Liveable Arlington, and the Dallas Sierra Club, highlighting growing concerns over gas drilling's dangers and community impact.

Harriet Varnum Irby, a prominent Arlington activist, dedicated four decades to environmental causes and fought against gas drilling despite her failing health. A memorial will be held on March 17 at First Jefferson Unitarian Universalist Church. Contributions can be made to the Harriet Varnum Irby Fund in her memory.

Ranjana Bhandari, leader of Liveable Arlington, opposes a drilling setback reduction to 319 feet by Total E&P Barnett USA. The Arlington City Council is voting on this issue, which could impact resident health. Bhandari, citing environmental dangers, hopes to sway council opinions against the permit.

Dallas City Council is drafting a multi-family recycling ordinance due to low recycling rates and high landfill usage. Currently, recycling is voluntary with less than 25% participation among multi-family properties. Dallas aims to follow Fort Worth's lead to achieve its Zero Waste goals.

Keep Dallas Beautiful revived in 2017 aims to beautify Dallas with projects like installing a Healing Garden at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Led by Brenda Finch, the group focuses on beautification, litter reduction, and environmental education, with support from the city and volunteers.

Austin-based TreeHouse is opening its third location in Plano on January 18. Specializing in eco-friendly home improvement, TreeHouse targets suburban homeowners with products for smart home upgrades, solar power, and sustainable materials. Cofounder Jason Ballard recommends healthier home changes, emphasizing air and water filtration, nontoxic cookware, and eco-friendly products.

The Memnosyne Institute and Green Source DFW will host Oak Cliff Earth Day on April 15, 2018, at Lake Cliff Park, Dallas. The event includes environmental education, entertainment, and the Green Source DFW Run for the Environment. The festival returns with new organizers after a one-year hiatus.

2017 was a challenging year for environmentalists. It started with the inauguration of a fossil-fuel loving President who immediately began rolling back environmentalists' gains. However, the set-backs only inspired North Texas greenies to push their eco-friendly agendas in creative ways.