Nature

Allison Docker, Fort Worth's new green space champion, aims to preserve open spaces and enhance the city's environment through sustainable initiatives. She brings experience in landscape architecture, contributing to projects like urban parks and streetscapes, aligning with the city’s Good Natured initiative to preserve 10,000 acres by 2028.

Now is the time to sow wildflower seeds in Texas, as the season runs from September to mid-November. Wildflowers need winter weather to germinate for spring blooms. I advocate for native plants and prairie restoration, and sow seeds to support wildlife, with resources available from Native American Seed and Wildseed Farms.

Turtles may need assistance crossing roads, especially during breeding season in spring. Most know their destination, so carry them in their travel direction. Turtles often cross due to development or as released pets. Ensure road safety and avoid relocating far from their home range to prevent their return and harm.

The Lights Out Texas campaign asks Texans to turn off outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting March 1 to aid migrating birds. Texas is a critical route for migratory birds, and light pollution in cities like Houston and Dallas disorients them, leading to exhaustion and fatal collisions.

The Texas Historic Tree Coalition held six tree dedication ceremonies this year, celebrating landmark trees like the Fort Parker Pecan, West Dallas Gateway Pecan, Comanche Creek Live Oak Grove, Singing Trees, and Comanche Council Live Oak. These ceremonies resumed after delays due to the pandemic and other challenges.

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.

The "Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas" grant program offers funding for monarch demonstration gardens and waystations using native plants on public sites. Overseen by the Native Plant Society of Texas, applications are due Feb. 1. Grants, up to $600, promote monarch conservation and education, focusing on native milkweeds and nectar plants.

Organic gardening and wildlife experts, like Howard Garrett and Texas A&M horticulturists, advise against bagging leaves, emphasizing benefits for landscapes and wildlife. Leaves enrich soil, reduce runoff, and save costs. They recommend mowing, mulching, and composting. Wildlife relies on leaf litter for habitat, and leaving leaves supports diverse ecosystems.

Texas loses 250 rural acres daily to urban development, fragmenting habitats and endangering species. At the People for Prairies conference, advocates shared conservation tactics, raising $27,000 for outreach. Cities like Fort Worth and Lewisville are integrating prairies into urban plans. Corporate and private landowners play crucial roles in prairie conservation.

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.