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Nature

Jul 13 2016, Julie Ryan

State permit for pesticide use over Texas waters takes public comment

July 13, 2016

It almost went by under our radar – if not for a Metroplex doctor who has long kept an eye on environmental changes that could affect her town and family. When public notice of the state’s renewal of its General Permit for pesticide use landed in her mailbox two weeks ago, she looked closer. Then she put out an alert to several environmental organizations and two reporters.

Black pig standing under a blue sign on a sunny day.
Jun 10 2016, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Feral pigs find home at Ellis County sanctuary 

Feral hogs are the animal outlaws of Texas. The nonnative animals were introduced by early settlers. Domesticated pigs were released or escaped and became feral over the generations. Today an estimated 1.5 million feral pigs roam throughout much of the state.
May 13 2016, Monica Johnson

Dallas promotes 'wildflower power' with pollinator program

A city sign designates a protected wildflower area at Lake Cliff Park. Photos by Monica Johnson.

May 13, 2016

The city of Dallas wants to give wildflowers more real estate.

Texas wildflowers, such as bluebonnets, primrose and Indian blanket, are more than just pretty scenery. They are vital sources of food and shelter to pollinators such as butterflies, bees, moths, birds and bats. 

May 03 2016, Monica Johnson

Mushroom expert to share magic of edible fungi

Local mycologist Dr. Denis Benjamin will speak at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas in Fort Worth on May 7 from 8:30am-noon.

May 3, 2016

Over the centuries, they’ve been used for food, folk remedies, dyes and psychedelics. They come in all shapes and a variety of colors, still most people are only familiar with the mushrooms they see in the grocery store produce aisle.

Poison ivy plant with green, pointed leaves and white vines.
May 03 2016, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Dallas author's poison ivy book offers relief for the itchy

Green Source DFW columnist Amy Martin recently published a book on poison ivy called Itchy Business. In this interview, Martin talks about the plant that inspired her to write the book and what she learned over the years from coping with it.
Billboard advertising BioBlitz at Tandy Hills Natural Area.
Apr 19 2016, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Top biologists crawl Tandy Hills at biggest BioBlitz ever held in North Texas

This week, biology experts from across the state are scouring a prairie remnant in Fort Worth in an all-out effort to record every living species onsite. The BioBlitz is being held at Tandy Hills Natural Area. On Earth Day Friday and Saturday, the public is invited to bring their smart phones and laptops to join in the fun.