Funds needed to save Blackland Prairie parcel in Hunt County
The Native Prairies Association of Texas aims to raise $50,000 to buy the Paul Mathews Prairie in Hunt County. Photos courtesy of NPAT.
Sept. 7, 2017
Nature
Eclipsestock! North Texas writer witnesses totality in Nebraska
A North Texas writer recounts witnessing a total solar eclipse in Nebraska. The trip, with her husband and friends, to Agate Fossil Beds National Monument near Harrison, saw nearly 7,000 attendees. Amid a festive atmosphere dubbed "Eclipsestock," they experienced awe and camaraderie during the eclipse's totality.
Solar eclipse brings out creativity in North Texans
The solar eclipse inspired North Texans to engage in creative viewing methods like homemade pinhole projectors, solar glasses, and cereals boxes. Enthusiasts, like Amy Martin, traveled for totality, while others shared innovative viewing techniques, poetry, and experiences online, capturing the community's vibrant excitement and resourcefulness.
South Texas butterfly sanctuary staked for Trump's border wall
At the end of July, workers arrived unannounced and started marking a 150-foot clearing zone at the National Butterfly Center in South Texas, in preparation for Trump’s border wall. The 100-acre sanctuary, which provides habitat for more than 200 species of butterflies, including the monarch,
Arlington park named for visionary environmentalist
The Julia Burgen Linear Park, named for the former city council member and early environmentalist, was dedicated in Arlington in May.
July 25, 2017
In the world of ecology, sometimes moving forward means looking around.
In 1995, Arlington’s city council had a big decision to make for flood control of Johnson creek. One path was to follow the Army Corps of Engineers idea for a massive concrete ditch through the city.
Texas legislators raise an axe against local tree ordinances
Senate Bill 14 and House Bill 70, ban cities, counties and even HOA from restricting property owners’ removal of trees or other vegetation.
July 24, 2017
Bills to pre-empt local ordinances protecting trees throughout Texas are being pushed through the legislature right now, unless public opposition stops them. More than 100 cities in Texas that already have tree ordinances would be affected.
Op Ed: Tree lovers should oppose SB 14 and HB 70
Texas Historic Tree Coalition president Mary Ann Graves rebuts those who want to overturn local tree ordinances. Above, a tree is protected by wood planks during construction at a private residence in Austin on June 12, 2017. Austin Price/The Texas Tribune.
July 24, 2017
Two North Texas green spaces honored as Lone Star Legacy Parks
Two North Texas parks, Kiest Park in Dallas and Tandy Hills Natural Area in Fort Worth, have been designated as Lone Star Legacy Parks by the Texas Recreation and Park Society for their historic significance, unique natural features, and community relevance.
Tarantula project put Lewisville nature preserve on the map
Retired physicist Bill Freiheit launched the Hentzi Project to sustain the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA) through tarantula restoration. With Leah Patton's help, they aimed to raise awareness of ecological issues while attempting to restore the Texas brown tarantula population.
New interactive map orients hikers at Oak Cliff Nature Preserve
The Texas Land Conservancy launched an interactive smartphone-accessible map for Oak Cliff Nature Preserve to help hikers navigate its complex trails. Debuting on National Trails Day, June 3, the map aims to prevent confusion and attract more visitors to the urban Dallas park featuring trails, creeks, and diverse ecosystems.