Around the State

The Houston toad is an endangered species that is – or was – found from Harris County to Bastrop and a few nearby counties

Green Source DFW officially relaunched this week as Green Source Texas with expanded statewide coverage.

Green Source Texas director Wendel Withrow reflects on the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, which burned the same month as the deadly Central Texas flood.

Texas Turtles is devoted to the conservation and study of Texas turtles through research, the study of turtles in the wild and outreach education. The group was started by a former herpetologist at the University of Texas at Arlington.

A prairie visit led to 52 chigger bites from brief exposure due to deviating from a paved path. Key chigger prevention tips include staying on trails, using repellent, and brushing off clothes. Chiggers' vile larval bites are treatable with proper skin care. Sulfur soap and urea aid healing, while loose, protective clothing deters bites.

Texas startups like Graphitic Energy are innovating by converting carbon from fossil fuels into usable products instead of CO2, using processes like pyrolysis to lower energy use. Though the impact on emissions is small, this sector could reframe carbon as a resource rather than waste.

Long-term drought persists in Texas despite torrential rainfall causing catastrophic flooding. The rain improved conditions but didn't resolve broader water issues. Key reservoirs rose but remain below median levels. The variability between droughts and floods aligns with climate change projections, prompting calls for strategic planning and investment.

Four Texas bills intended to limit renewable energy failed, as bipartisan lawmakers acknowledged the economic and grid benefits of wind and solar projects. Conservative groups opposed renewables, citing costs, while business and environmental advocates argued renewables enhance reliability.

Texan eco-friendly brands like Tumbleweed Texstyles, Mmmpanadas, Yellowbird Hot Sauce, and Kaurina's offer sustainable summer essentials. Products include clothing, gourmet snacks, and plant-based sauces. New Gola Pops launch in July. For hiking, TrailForks helps navigate trails globally. Eco-conscious gear includes Murphy’s Naturals Bug Spray and Spleash leash handle.

The Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup in Texas is the largest in the U.S., sparking controversy for its use of gasoline to capture snakes, misinformation on snakes, and celebration of their butchering. While economic gains and population control are cited, animal welfare groups call for reform.