North Texas

Record-setting heat in Texas led to numerous ER visits for heat illnesses, especially in cities like Austin and Del Rio. June 2023 may become the hottest June ever recorded in parts of Texas. Deaths linked to heat include a utility lineman and a postal worker; some migrants have died near the U.S./Mexico border.

Dreamboat Vegan Donuts and Scoops, a new vegan dessert shop in Fort Worth, offers vegan donuts and expanded ice cream options. Located near Spiral Diner, Dreamboat pairs sweet treats with ice cream and offers a variety of flavors and seasonal items in a chic urban location.

Wild DFW events, celebrating Amy Martin's new book "Wild DFW," start next month with signing parties across three counties. Martin will also host informative talks and walks to explore North Texas nature. Her 370-page book, featuring photos and maps, benefits Green Source DFW.

The 2023 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant provides $1M for asbestos and contaminant removal from Fort Worth Convention Center. The cleanup, part of a $606M renovation and expansion, precedes arena demolition in 2026, promoting community revitalization and economic growth in Fort Worth.

The Dallas City Council has acquired Big Cedar Wilderness, a nearly 300-acre natural area, ensuring its preservation. Previously owned by Brad Phillips, the land was donated for public use. Trust for Public Land facilitated the acquisition to protect the park's mixed terrain and 22 miles of trails for community enjoyment.

Communities across Texas have urged the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to tighten regulations on concrete batch plants due to pollution concerns. Proposed permit changes aim to reduce emissions, but critics argue they don't fully address health impacts or cumulative pollution. If approved, new rules take effect next January.

The Fort Worth Nature Center, once a planned state park, showcases structures from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built during the Great Depression. Their legacy highlighted by a dedicated statue was recognized for transforming landscapes and fostering an environmental ethic, with future plans for restoration.

As cities pursue zero waste goals, the Nordic Technologies Company, co-founded by Mostafa Malki, offers machines that quickly convert food waste into compost. These devices, inspired by Swedish methods and requiring minimal upkeep, aim to reduce landfill contributions and support sustainable practices in households and businesses.

As weather warms, snake bites, though rare in fatalities, are a concern. To avoid bites, know snake behavior and species, and keep distance. First aid guidelines negate outdated practices like tourniquets. If bitten, stay calm, remove tight items, and seek hospital care. Antivenom may be needed based on symptoms.

In 2023, Texas legislators ignored proposals to enhance energy efficiency and curb greenhouse gas emissions while promoting laws that hinder local climate actions and favor fossil fuels. Despite some successes in water management and penalties for pollution, significant environmental justice proposals failed to advance.