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Nature

Trail information boards in a wooded area.
May 29 2017, JULIE THIBODEAUX

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.
Brown butterfly with eye-like patterns on wings, resting on sandy ground.
May 08 2017, JULIE THIBODEAUX

DFW wins nationwide iNaturalist Challenge 

In a surprising victory, DFW citizen scientists won the nationwide iNaturalist Challenge, surpassing San Francisco. Over 500 North Texans made 24,000 observations, with Sam Kieschnick leading the effort and highlighting the importance of these records in showcasing local biodiversity. The competition spurred enthusiasm and highlighted species like the showy pink primrose.
Apr 25 2017, AMY MARTIN

Landmark tree defended from vandal by Dallas neighbors

A vandal was stopped when neighbors noticed he was cutting up a park tree for firewood in the Dixon Branch Greenbelt last month. Photos by Amy Martin and Scooter Smith.

April 25, 2017

“The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing that stands in the way." - William Blake

Small yellow flower with two green leaves held between fingers.
Apr 04 2017, JULIE THIBODEAUX

DFW nature lovers challenged to compete in iNaturalist bioblitz

North Texas nature lovers are encouraged to grab their smart phones and head outside for a DFW-wide bioblitz on Easter weekend. During April 14-18, Dallas-Fort Worth is competing with metropolitan areas across the U.S. to see which city can post the most observations on iNaturalist.org, the citizen science website.
Painting of a lake and field on an easel, with the same scene in the background.
Mar 28 2017, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Earth Day celebrated all month in North Texas

Starting Saturday, Earth Day festivals will be popping across North Texas all through April. While organizers of Oak Cliff Earth Day are taking a year off, there are plenty of fests to partake of, as more than 20 environmentally themed events are spread out across the month.
Yellow bird perched on a person's hand.
Feb 21 2017, JULIE THIBODEAUX

LLELA prepares for its closeup with bioblitz planned on April 1

Last April, experts from across the state came together at Tandy Hills Natural Area in Fort Worth for the largest bioblitz ever held in North Texas. Volunteers not only recorded 3,000 observations of flora and fauna at the 160-acre prairie remnant, they inspired another group of naturalists to host their own bioblitz.
Feb 20 2017, MINNIE PAYNE

Back to the Garden: Fort Worth herbalist's personal care business springs from her rural roots

Stephonia Roberts of Mrs. Jack's Body Food uses natural ingredients from her garden for her soaps, lotions and bath salts.

Feb. 20, 2017

Native Americans and our other ancestors cured ailments and promoted health naturally by using plants and herbs. Fifty-three-year-old Stephonia Roberts, founder of Fort Worth-based Mrs. Jacks Body Food, says her natural personal care products do the same thing.

Binoculars and tablet on wooden floor with hiking boots.
Feb 14 2017, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Why the Great Backyard Bird Count is a hoot

The first year my husband and I participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count, we were prepared to count birds and take names. On the weekend of the worldwide citizen scientist event, our canopied backyard deck in Fort Worth was our bird blind. Binoculars? Check. Bird guides? Check. Checklists? Check.
Jan 20 2017, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Comanche marker trees in Texas chronicled by Dallas tree expert

Comanche marker trees, threatened by disease and development, are chronicled in Steve Houser's book, "Comanche Marker Trees of Texas," which verifies their existence. The book, resulting from over 20 years of research, provides a taxonomy of marker trees and seeks to document them before they disappear.