North Texas

Cedar Hill's new 'Library in a Park' features a 42,000-square-foot facility within a 7-acre Signature Park, including nature trails and a concert venue. Opening on April 27, the library integrates outdoor elements, offers a rooftop deck, a podcast studio, and houses the Cedar Hill Museum, embracing community input and green design.

While many North Texans may opt to stick close to home for the big eclipse on Monday, avoiding traffic jams and possible inclement weather, others will brave the forecast and crowded roads to share the experience with a few hundred others. Here are a few watch parties taking place at local parks, universities and green spaces that could be worth venturing out for.

The South Central Climate Resilience Forum will be held April 2-4, 2024, in Dallas, uniting stakeholders from a five-state region to address climate change. The event includes sessions on resilience, a keynote by Katharine Hayhoe, and networking opportunities to inspire community action and share success stories.

Residents of Grayson County oppose a proposed 660-acre cement plant by Black Mountain Cement in Dorchester, citing health and environmental concerns. The plant, linked to pollution, water threats, and economic disruption, faces public opposition, including from local mayors, before an upcoming TCEQ meeting.

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.