Nature

Oct 27 2022, MICHAEL SMITH

Bats keep Austin weird but they're not the monsters of myth

Bats are often linked to mythical monsters like Dracula, yet they offer significant ecological benefits. While vampire bats exist, they mainly reside in Central and South America. In North Texas, several beneficial bat species, such as the Mexican free-tailed bat, play crucial roles in pest control and ecosystems.

Aug 05 2022, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Name chosen for trail connecting Dallas and Fort Worth

The regional hiking and biking trail connecting Dallas and Fort Worth is named DFW Discovery Trail. Nearly 1,700 voted for the name and logo featuring Texas wildlife. Expected by 2024, the 60-mile trail links city trails and is part of the 1,883-mile Regional Veloweb network.

Jul 08 2022, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Fort Worth enlists accelerator to step up park equity

Fort Worth joined the Trust for Public Land's 10-Minute Walk Park Equity Accelerator to improve park access, leveraging funding and expertise to overcome outdoor equity barriers. With only 61% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park, this initiative aims to enhance health, climate, and community benefits citywide.

Jun 22 2022, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Tree-killing beetle has spread to Dallas County

The emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle from Asia, threatens ash trees in Dallas County, Texas, after spreading from Tarrant County. This beetle has decimated millions of trees across 36 U.S. states, prompting significant concerns among experts and efforts to slow its spread through various strategies and public awareness campaigns.

Jun 10 2022, JULIE THIBODEAUX

U.S. House to vote on big wildlife bill as early as Tuesday

The U.S. House will vote on the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which allocates $50 million annually to Texas for at-risk wildlife. Supported by a broad coalition, this bill aims to stabilize species, saving costs long-term. It is part of a $1.3 billion national wildlife funding initiative.

Apr 08 2022, MARSHALL HINSLEY

'Lights Out' campaign is gaining momentum, say organizers

For its third year, the 'Lights Out' campaign urges Texans to turn off outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. during peak bird migration (April 22-May 12) to prevent distractions and collisions. The initiative is growing, with increased city participation and surveys to reduce bird casualties.

Mar 23 2022, JULIE THIBODEAUX

LLELA brings back trail run

Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area is reviving its trail run after eight years, offering the Woods and Wetlands 6K+ and the Earth Day Dash. Scheduled for April 23, proceeds support restoration efforts. The event features a new Stewart Creek Trail and emphasizes participation over competition, including snacks and educational activities.

Feb 02 2022, JULIE THIBODEAUX

National Butterfly Center closes indefinitely, citing threats

The National Butterfly Center in Texas is closed indefinitely due to safety threats from conspiracy theorists. The center, embroiled in border wall controversies, faces defamation and escalating threats. It hosts thousands of visitors annually and advocates for environmental education. The Center awaits the green light from authorities to reopen.

Jan 21 2022, AMY MARTIN

Former Boy Scout camp shelters nature in urban Dallas

Jan. 21, 2022

It was 1999, and the news was circulating in north Oak Cliff like wildfire.

Developers sought to buy and rezone the 160 rugged, wooded acres of the Boy Scouts’ old Camp Brooklawn. It was a stab to the heart for those Oak Cliff residents who'd spent their childhoods playing in the woods along Five Mile Creek back in the 1930s when the area was rural, except for a few abbreviated thoroughfares.