North Texas

On a hot day at Sheri Capehart Nature Preserve in Arlington, dragonflies performed acrobatics, highlighting their role as natural pest control, consuming hundreds of mosquitos daily. Despite being resilient, habitat destruction, climate change, and pollutants threaten their survival, emphasizing the need for wetland preservation.

Tarrant County joined the Texas Solar for All Consortium, reversing a previous rejection, after efforts by Commissioner Alisa Simmons. The coalition seeks federal funds for solar projects aiding low-income residents. Despite some public opposition, a 3-1 vote favored joining, aiming to enhance Tarrant County's economic and environmental profile.

Texas is advancing the discharge of produced water from oil and gas drilling into waterways, despite lacking comprehensive risk assessments and regulation for all contaminants. Researchers express concerns over potential health and environmental impacts, emphasizing the need for more scientific data before proceeding with permits for this unproven practice.

The Trinity River Audubon Center is hosting a free "Swift Night Out" on September 7, offering birdwatching of chimney swifts and others to aid scientists in counting bird populations. The event highlights chimney swifts' decline due to habitat loss and their valuable role in consuming insects. Registration is required.

During a scorching summer, college students Kimberly Villarreal, Jacob Estes, and Paige Priddy interned at Tandy Hills Natural Area, supported by the North Texas Community Foundation's Conservation and Environment Fund. They gained hands-on skills in natural resources management and addressed challenges like invasive species and park mismanagement.

In a Texas Green Report episode, Marshall Hinsley interviews Amy Martin, discussing her new book, "Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature In and Around Dallas-Fort Worth." The book explores North Texas's ecology, featuring wildlife, hiking trails, and conservation efforts, offering insights into the area's natural wonders and the importance of preserving them.

You can toss used or discarded paper into curbside recycling bins to keep it out of the landfill. But most people want their sensitive documents shredded first. Some cities and businesses offer free paper shredding events. Unfortunately, those events are typically held only a few times a year.

Fort Worth lacks a climate action plan while Dallas leads in detailed planning. Fort Worth's environmental efforts focus on urban forestry and open space. The city is poised to join a regional climate action plan, but it faces criticism for not addressing climate change explicitly and lacks an environmental justice strategy.

North Texans face extreme heat, with consecutive days over 100 degrees and a high heat index. This relentless heat impacts daily life, mental health, and the environment, leading to anxiety, grief, and health risks. Coping strategies include mindfulness, self-expression, and seeking climate-aware therapy to address these challenges.

Texas is advancing the discharge of produced water from oil and gas drilling into waterways, despite lacking comprehensive risk assessments and regulation for all contaminants. Researchers express concerns over potential health and environmental impacts, emphasizing the need for more scientific data before proceeding with permits for this unproven practice.