Julie Thibodeaux

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.

Tarrant County joined the Texas Solar for All Consortium, reversing a previous rejection, after efforts by Commissioner Alisa Simmons. The coalition seeks federal funds for solar projects aiding low-income residents. Despite some public opposition, a 3-1 vote favored joining, aiming to enhance Tarrant County's economic and environmental profile.

You can toss used or discarded paper into curbside recycling bins to keep it out of the landfill. But most people want their sensitive documents shredded first. Some cities and businesses offer free paper shredding events. Unfortunately, those events are typically held only a few times a year.

Texas is advancing the discharge of produced water from oil and gas drilling into waterways, despite lacking comprehensive risk assessments and regulation for all contaminants. Researchers express concerns over potential health and environmental impacts, emphasizing the need for more scientific data before proceeding with permits for this unproven practice.

A minority-owned neighborhood in southern Dallas took a moment to celebrate after an asphalt batch plant closed down in June. But following the victory, now residents of Joppa — pronounced Joppy by locals — are facing down another polluting foe.