Marshall Hinsley

The Trinity River Audubon Center is hosting a free "Swift Night Out" on September 7, offering birdwatching of chimney swifts and others to aid scientists in counting bird populations. The event highlights chimney swifts' decline due to habitat loss and their valuable role in consuming insects. Registration is required.

In a Texas Green Report episode, Marshall Hinsley interviews Amy Martin, discussing her new book, "Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature In and Around Dallas-Fort Worth." The book explores North Texas's ecology, featuring wildlife, hiking trails, and conservation efforts, offering insights into the area's natural wonders and the importance of preserving them.

Public Citizen highlights five Texas bills that threaten local environmental control, shifting power to state lawmakers and stifling community initiatives. These bills hinder local regulation of emissions, equipment, and short-term rentals, imposing fines on multiple state complaints. Citizens are urged to oppose these bills to preserve local governance.

PepsiCo researchers in North Texas are using compost bins to test biodegradable food packaging, aiming to replace plastic waste. The facility accelerates innovation, striving for home compostability and marine degradability. Amid criticism of plastic pollution, PepsiCo seeks to lead with eco-friendly packaging by 2025.

Cedar Hill and Austin, near Dallas, Texas, were recently named Bird City Texas designees by Audubon Texas and Texas Parks and Wildlife. This certification recognizes cities for bird-friendly initiatives, including habitat protection and community engagement to support both bird and human communities.

EarthShare Texas is a nonprofit raising funds for over 30 environmental charities, distributing unrestricted support for operations. They engage businesses and individuals through donations, workplace giving, and awareness campaigns, like "My Earth, My Texas," promoting sustainable actions.

The Southwestern Medical District in Dallas is undergoing a green transformation. The Texas Trees Foundation plans to use evidence-based design to turn the industrialized area into a healthier urban environment. This includes a 10-acre park and innovative climate data utilization to improve air quality and mitigate heat effects.

Marshall Hinsley discusses pocket prairies, small plots planted with native Texas flora, as part of a statewide restoration effort. These prairies support native wildlife, sequester carbon, mitigate flooding, and require minimal maintenance, offering a sustainable way to restore Texas's native ecosystem.

Dallas College's 12th Annual Sustainability Summit titled "Be the Change: Conscious Action Creates Purposeful Change" will occur on Nov. 4 at Brookhaven Campus and online. It features keynote speakers Xiuhtezcatl Martinez and Seth Godin, breakout sessions, and free admission.

Despite a recent setback, big cat advocates say mountain lions in Texas may be closer than ever to finally being granted minimal protections. Most land in Texas is privately owned, so anywhere that mountain lions live is likely on private property.

Texan by Nature, founded by Laura Bush in 2011, mediates between companies and environmental groups for conservation projects. The nonprofit collaborates with over 100 organizations on initiatives like the Lights Out Texas campaign and Dark Skies initiative, enhancing conservation efforts across Texas and influencing broader environmental impact.

During the dangerously dry summer of 2022, with persistent 100°F days and a drought in DFW, wildlife suffers immensely. Experts urge setting out shallow water dishes to help heat-weary armadillos, birds, and more. Despite risks, providing water minimizes wildlife dehydration and mitigates disease, as residents rally to support wildlife survival.