Julie Thibodeaux

The 13th annual DFW Solar Tour returns in-person on Oct. 1, after two years online. Hosted by the North Texas Renewable Energy Group, this free event showcases six locations promoting renewable energy education. Highlights include advanced solar homes and insights into energy storage and financing options.

Hackberry leafrollers, or Sciota celtidella, devoured the leaves of hackberries across North Texas, creating spooky webs. Despite initial concerns, pest specialist Wizzie Brown assures residents the outbreak is non-threatening, and the trees will recover. These caterpillars provide food for migrating birds, so pesticides aren't needed.

Sam Kieschnick, a Fort Worth-based urban wildlife biologist for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, has inspired many to use iNaturalist, a popular naturalist app. He's made over 100,000 observations, placing him among the top 10 observers worldwide, out of 2.4 million users.

Timber Press will release "Wild DFW" in April, a North Texas nature guide by Dallas writer Amy Martin. With cover art by Mariell Guzman, the book highlights local natural spaces, ecology, and weather, plus insights from experts. Martin, a seasoned environmental reporter, aims to inspire nature preservation and tourism.

Nominate your green heroes for the 11th Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership Awards by September 30, 2022. The awards, hosted by Green Source DFW and the Memnosyne Institute, return in person this November. Nominate in eight categories like Environmental Justice and Green Innovation.

Arlington approved 11 new gas wells near homes without public input, sparking activist opposition. The 2019 ordinance allows administrative approvals in established zones without notifying residents. Critics, like Liveable Arlington, cite health studies linking fracking to serious impacts. Total Energies operates the Bruder site, with activists demanding stricter regulations.

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.