North Texas

The Mind Body Ecology Institute (MBEI) focuses on fostering people’s connection with nature and community through mindfulness and diverse cultural wisdom rather than technology or a singular leader. Under Dr. Blake Hestir’s leadership, it offers multifaceted programs that promote emotional resilience and collective well-being.

Ramon Rodriguez, once ignored by Presidio, Texas, secured a $13 million federal grant under Biden's 2022 Infrastructure Reduction Act to fund environmental projects. Managed by the Big Bend Conservation Alliance, the grant will enhance greenery, tackle pollution, and support infrastructure improvements, propelling Presidio's sustainable future.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is a 120-acre urban sanctuary attracting bats along with 450,000 annual visitors. Hosting five bat species, the garden prioritizes natural pest control, fostering an ideal ecosystem for insect-eating, migratory bats and offering vital ecological services like pollination and pest control.

Texas cities exhibit significant biodiversity, as showcased during iNaturalist's City Nature Challenge. Participants from 669 cities documented numerous species. San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth ranked second and fifth, respectively. Bioblitzes, which involve groups documenting species over short periods, are vital for citizen science, enhancing our understanding of biodiversity.

The Great American Cleanup Campaign, sponsored by Keep America Beautiful, involves communities nationwide in litter cleanup efforts. Despite criticism of shifting blame from corporations to citizens, volunteers continue impactful cleanup initiatives. Upcoming events are planned in Grapevine, Dallas, and Fort Worth.

The local botanical grapevine has been buzzing since Texas Discovery Gardens greenhouse manager Roseanne Ferguson excitedly posted last month: "The whale's tongue agaves are sending up flower stalks!"

Genie Fritz, a legendary Texas environmentalist, passed at 100, prompting tributes from conservation luminaries. Co-founder of TCONR/TCA and the Texas Land Conservancy, she was pivotal in preserving natural areas. Remembered for her social justice efforts and family devotion, her legacy spans environmental activism and civic volunteerism.

The Sustainability Coalition of Texas (SCOT) introduces sustainability through networking and education in North Texas, founded by environmental professionals. SCOT emphasizes networking events to boost sustainability awareness. Planning for growth, SCOT envisions expanding state-wide, guiding Texans toward a greener future through collaboration.

Departing council member Gyna Bivens helped Fort Worth enhance tree protections after seven years of advocacy. The new ordinance nearly doubles protected tree species, mandates preserving significant post oak and blackjack oak canopies, and raises penalties for illegal removal. It balances developer needs and aims to expand the urban canopy.

E-commerce growth has led to increased cardboard waste in DFW, often sent to landfills instead of recycling. Dallas and Fort Worth promote recycling education to counter this trend, emphasizing breaking down boxes for recycling bins or drop-off stations. Effective waste separation is crucial to prolong landfill life.