Education

'Lights Out Texas,' a conservation effort by Texas nonprofits and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, aims to protect billions of migrating birds from deadly light pollution from Dallas, among others. During peak migration, participants are asked to reduce lighting from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Stephen F. Austin State University launches an online sustainability degree this fall, focusing on training sustainability coordinators. The program covers disciplines like sociology and geography, offering internships and certification. A master's program is planned for spring. It aims to attract remote students and offers practical sustainability initiatives.

A $600,000 EPA grant for brownfield site cleanup is available. A free webinar on Aug. 3 from noon to 2 p.m. will guide applicants. This grant supports site assessments, remediation, community involvement, and revitalization. Application deadline is Sept. 21, 2020. Key areas include economic and environmental justice.

At 68, Michael Smith, an Arlington reptile expert and licensed therapist, is publishing a herpetology guide for teens, targeted to cultivate a love for reptiles and nature. His passion for reptiles began early, leading to co-founding the Dallas-Fort Worth Herpetological Society and writing various guides, including a mindfulness-in-nature book.

Homebound North Texans can explore nature online through virtual lessons and live events hosted by local nature reserves on platforms like Facebook and Zoom. These digital offerings, including guided hikes and educational programming, enable interactive experiences and have attracted significant viewer engagement. Nature centers are expanding their digital reach as a response to high interest.

EarthX cancels its Earthx2020 Expo due to COVID-19, but will hold the Earthx2020 Conferences and Film Festival virtually with National Geographic Society. Most events, including the 50th Earth Day Celebration, are set for livestreaming, with some live events scheduled for the fall.

Ricardo Cervantes, a leader at Mexico's Tolteca Cultural Center, connects youth to nature by teaching Toltec traditions and rituals. The center promotes cultural heritage through activities like traditional games and foraging, fostering a tactile experience with nature for young people and instilling pride in their indigenous roots.

TEDxSMU, now including offsite excursions for the first time, features activities like kayaking and urban farm tours on March 6. These trips aim to enhance the conference experience and expose participants to unique Dallas areas.

The Sustainable U series continues at Richland College on Dec. 12 with a discussion on energy efficiency in buildings. Speakers include experts like Paul Westbrook and Ryan Sheard. The free event, organized by DCCCD and EarthX, features panels and aims to raise sustainability awareness.

Nicole Gorretta transformed TCU's sustainability efforts since 2016. She initiated recycling programs, banned Styrofoam, and organized the campus's first Earth Day Fair, leaving a lasting impact on environmental stewardship. Her leadership inspired lasting institutional change, ensuring the university's commitment to sustainability endures beyond her graduation.