Julie Thibodeaux

The regional hiking and biking trail connecting Dallas and Fort Worth is named DFW Discovery Trail. Nearly 1,700 voted for the name and logo featuring Texas wildlife. Expected by 2024, the 60-mile trail links city trails and is part of the 1,883-mile Regional Veloweb network.

Amid dramatic headlines, the first James Webb Space Telescope images were revealed, offering the "deepest-ever view" of the cosmos, showing galaxies 13.5 billion years back in time, and changing our perspective of Earth and the universe.

RCE North Texas, launched as a sustainability hub, is creating a youth network to connect young people on environmental issues. Led by UTA's Bhargavi Karumuri Jeyarajah, the project targets university and high school students, aiming to foster collaboration through networking, newsletters, and social media.

During Texas drought, trees require watering to survive. The 2022 drought stresses trees, risking long-term harm from pests and diseases. Mature trees need watering every 10-14 days, beyond the dripline, while young trees require more frequent irrigation. Mulching aids in moisture retention, and watering should avoid direct contact with trunks.

Fort Worth joined the Trust for Public Land's 10-Minute Walk Park Equity Accelerator to improve park access, leveraging funding and expertise to overcome outdoor equity barriers. With only 61% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park, this initiative aims to enhance health, climate, and community benefits citywide.

Fleetmaster Express introduced two Volvo VNR electric trucks in Fort Worth, part of a collaboration with Volvo, Ball Corporation, and Nacarato Truck Centers. The e-trucks, with a 275-mile range, support sustainability goals by replacing diesel vehicles. They will transport aluminum cans for Ball Corporation to reduce emissions.

Texans can submit comments on the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) during its “Sunset Review,” an independent assessment every 12 years. Public input can influence significant changes. Virtual hearings gather input, and comments are accepted online until June 27, with a public hearing on June 22 in Austin.

The U.S. House will vote on the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which allocates $50 million annually to Texas for at-risk wildlife. Supported by a broad coalition, this bill aims to stabilize species, saving costs long-term. It is part of a $1.3 billion national wildlife funding initiative.

The Texas Electric Transportation Resources Alliance Education Fund announced the North Texas Electric Transportation Compact to advance electric vehicle adoption in DFW. Led by Brandy O’Quinn, the initiative will collaborate with local entities to reduce emissions and improve air quality amidst federal ozone violation concerns.

The "Big Bugs" exhibit at Fort Worth Botanic Garden, featuring David Rogers' sculptures made from forest materials, showcases giant insect sculptures. The exhibit highlights insects' ecological importance amid declining populations. It closes June 12, with admission details provided.

Dallas City Council approved regulations requiring public hearings for concrete and asphalt batch plants via a Specific Use Permit. Applauded by environmentalists, the change addresses equity and pollution concerns and gives communities a voice in plant siting. A second phase considers buffer zones to limit impacts on sensitive areas.

Fort Worth partners with the Texas Trees Foundation to develop its first Urban Forestry Master Plan. This initiative, supported by a $250,000 funding, aims to sustain and enhance urban forestry, engage stakeholders, and address tree conservation. The plan follows Fort Worth's historic green milestones and addresses illegal tree cutting concerns.