North Texas

Dallas resident and nature photographer Daniel Koglin discovered a leaking gas pipe at Richland Creek WMA, a wildlife habitat managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife. The leak was reported, and Southwest Operating remediated it. Koglin expressed relief but noted evidence of leakages at other sites.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission unanimously voted to swap 43 acres of Boca Chica State Park for 477 acres near Laguna Atascosa with SpaceX despite public opposition. The vote allows for negotiation and environmental assessments. Concerns include restricted beach access and environmental impact.

Solar energy is increasing in Texas, ranking third in residential solar power generation, though only 20th per capita due to limited incentives and net metering. Local initiatives like "Solar Switch Dallas" promote solar adoption, while experts advise buyers to educate themselves and seek group purchasing for cost efficiencies.

The Lights Out Texas campaign asks Texans to turn off outdoor lights from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting March 1 to aid migrating birds. Texas is a critical route for migratory birds, and light pollution in cities like Houston and Dallas disorients them, leading to exhaustion and fatal collisions.

A new Dallas group, Friends of Piedmont, is dedicated to restoring the neglected trails of Piedmont Ridge, once a popular hiking spot. With support from the city and local volunteers, they aim to reclaim the area’s former glory, focusing on preservation, history, and environmental sustainability.

A total solar eclipse on April 8 will be viewable across Texas, particularly in 31 State Parks within the path of totality. Dallas-based Lyda Hill Philanthropies is donating gadgets like sun-spotter telescopes and eclipse safety glasses. Texas State Parks will have special programming and reservations are recommended.

In Flower Mound, conservation efforts focus on preserving native plants and ecosystems. The town's Environmental Services Department promotes eco-friendly gardening, while educational programs and videos foster community engagement. Significant sites include a historic flower mound and a pollinator garden, demonstrating a commitment to balancing development and environmental preservation.

As the Dallas-Fort Worth air quality improvement plan nears completion, officials aim to secure $105-$185M for transportation-focused pollution reduction through EPA grants. Initiatives include clean vehicle incentives, enhanced transit, road upgrades, and more. The grant targets the second-highest funding tier to avoid direct competition with the state of Texas.

The Coppell High School Eco Club will host its first public event, the Sustainability Summit, on Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. The event, supported by the Dallas Sierra Club and Meaningful Movies Project, will feature a screening of *The Story of Plastic* and a panel discussion on plastic usage and reduction.

Phil Hardberger Park in San Antonio addresses habitat fragmentation with the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge, opened in 2020. The bridge safely connects wildlife and humans, reducing collisions and extending park habitat. It supports diverse ecosystems and incorporates conservation efforts, making the park a model for wildlife crossings nationwide.