Julie Thibodeaux

Early registration is now open for the 15th annual Oak Cliff Earth Day, hosted by the Memnosyne Institute and backed by new sponsor, the Dallas Zoo. The event on April 21, 2024, will feature green vendors, entertainment, and education. Vendor registration costs $35-$60 before April 14.

Dallas resident and nature photographer Daniel Koglin discovered a leaking gas pipe at Richland Creek WMA, a wildlife habitat managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife. The leak was reported, and Southwest Operating remediated it. Koglin expressed relief but noted evidence of leakages at other sites.

The Lights Out Texas campaign asks Texans to turn off outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting March 1 to aid migrating birds. Texas is a critical route for migratory birds, and light pollution in cities like Houston and Dallas disorients them, leading to exhaustion and fatal collisions.

A total solar eclipse on April 8 will be viewable across Texas, particularly in 31 State Parks within the path of totality. Dallas-based Lyda Hill Philanthropies is donating gadgets like sun-spotter telescopes and eclipse safety glasses. Texas State Parks will have special programming and reservations are recommended.

Molly Hollar, an influential environmental pioneer, passed at 95. Her legacy continues through the Wildscape at Veteran's Park, a concept she helped establish. Hollar inspired many in conservation and native plant advocacy. A memorial service and donation opportunities honor her impact and dedication.

The Moore Park Big Tree Grove in Dallas, a haven for the Black community during segregation, received historic protection from the city and the Texas Historic Tree Coalition. This landmark includes 16 historic trees and was part of the first trees officially protected for historic value by the city council.

The Texas Historic Tree Coalition held six tree dedication ceremonies this year, celebrating landmark trees like the Fort Parker Pecan, West Dallas Gateway Pecan, Comanche Creek Live Oak Grove, Singing Trees, and Comanche Council Live Oak. These ceremonies resumed after delays due to the pandemic and other challenges.

On Saturday, Oct. 14, a partial solar eclipse will occur in DFW with 80-85% sun coverage. Although it’s an annular eclipse, creating a "Ring of Fire," eclipse glasses are required for safe viewing. Without proper eyewear, use indirect viewing methods like a pinhole projector.

The Irving home of Bill Byrom, part of the National Solar Tour, features groundbreaking urban sustainability innovations, including a 14.4 kW DC solar system, geothermal HVAC, rainwater collection, and zero-energy design.

Dallas's new Judge Charles R. Rose Community Park centers on blackland prairie restoration with over 100 volunteers planting native species. Part of the Five Mile Creek Greenbelt Plan, the park aims to enhance access to green space in underserved areas, featuring trails, parks, and an outdoor classroom.

Nominations for the 12th annual Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership Awards, hosted by Green Source DFW and the Memnosyne Institute, are open until Oct. 15, 2023. The public can nominate in eight categories, with winners selected by a panel of judges.

Four 60-year-old live oaks were relocated to an Addison park by AMLI, a developer building a mixed-use community aiming for LEED Silver certification. Environmental Design executed the move using ArborLift technology to preserve the trees, part of a sustainability effort that includes planting 350 new trees.