Julie Thibodeaux

Dallas appoints Garrett Boone as the city’s first Greening Czar to transform vacant city-owned land into green spaces. Boone, a seasoned environmentalist, will lead this initiative, with an aim to create more parks and improve green space access for Dallas residents, enhancing neighborhoods across the city.

EarthX, the world’s largest green expo, returns April 21-23, 2023, at Fair Park, Dallas, after a pandemic hiatus. The free event features exhibitors, speakers, films, and conferences addressing environmental issues. Highlights include the NextGen Pavilion, Environmental Justice Conference, and specialized ticketed conferences.

Two historic Texas pecan trees are being honored: the West Dallas Gateway Pecan, a resilient 180-year-old city tree, and the thriving 250-year-old Fort Parker Pecan in the countryside. Ceremonies celebrate their historical significance, highlighting preservation efforts led by the Texas Historic Tree Coalition.

The free Oak Cliff Earth Day on April 16 at Lake Cliff Park offers entertainment, environmental education booths, green vendors, and food trucks. Highlights include performances by Bandan Koro and local schools, and a proclamation ceremony honoring the West Dallas Gateway Pecan Tree. Hosted by Green Source DFW and the Memnosyne Institute.

In March 2023, Dallas launched two initiatives to boost climate resilience: Whole Home Dallas connects residents to resources for weatherization and energy efficiency; Green Job Skills offers free, self-paced training for construction workers in energy-efficient home improvements. Both programs support the city's climate action goals.

Georgeann Moss, a sustainability pioneer at Dallas College, retired after 25 years. Starting as a media relations specialist, she created the Sustainability Team and advanced to Senior Director of Sustainability. She led key initiatives like the Sustainability Summit and plans to remain active in environmental projects post-retirement.

Fairfield Lake State Park faces closure on Feb. 28 as new owners plan luxury development. Despite losing efforts to secure the land, Texas lawmakers are pursuing eminent domain to preserve the park. Concerns arise over other state parks on leased land, prompting legislative action to protect them.

Waco Friends of the Climate's Climate Crisis Art Exhibit returns in person to promote climate change awareness through art. Held at Art Center Waco from April 4-29, the exhibit invites Texas artists to inspire emotional engagement and action on climate change, offering cash prizes. Submissions close April 1.

Fort Worth will remove up to 50 acres of invasive privet from Tandy Hills Natural Area to protect its 1,800 native species, using heavy equipment initially and targeted herbicide later. This project, supported by a $150,000 grant, aims for significant ecological recovery despite being an ongoing challenge.

Fairfield Lake State Park, a 1,800-acre site in Freestone County, is at risk of closure due to the land’s sale to developers. Efforts by Texas legislators and environmental groups aim to preserve the park, emphasizing its ecological significance and highlighting its history of public recreational use.

The "Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas" grant program offers funding for monarch demonstration gardens and waystations using native plants on public sites. Overseen by the Native Plant Society of Texas, applications are due Feb. 1. Grants, up to $600, promote monarch conservation and education, focusing on native milkweeds and nectar plants.

Oak Cliff Earth Day, hosted by GreenSourceDFW and Memnosyne Institute since 2018, opens early booth registration. Featuring entertainment and environmental education, vendor spaces cost $60 by April 1. Sponsorships start at $100. Contact Lenora for vendor details and Wendel for sponsorships. Event: April 16, 2023, Lake Cliff Park, Dallas.