North Texas

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.

Forest Bridge, a for-profit LLC in Dallas, focuses on planting native trees in urban areas. Co-founded by Marianna Verlage Archibald and Jillian McFarland, its mission is to add green spaces and counter the heat island effect. They target sustainable brands and innovate with marketing efforts like geofencing.

Rain in North Texas is sporadic, leading to water restrictions. Betsy Marsh from TRWD suggests using DIY rain barrels for water conservation. TRWD provides education, workshops, and grants for rainwater harvesting, benefiting schools and communities. Rain barrels help conserve water, reduce demand, and lower water bills.

Dallas-based EarthX will host its five-day conference, a top U.S. sustainability event, from April 21-25 at the Hilton Anatole Hotel. Aimed at pragmatic environmental solutions, it includes a free North Texas Day. The event unites diverse leaders to address sustainability and features various expert panels and discussions.

Texas Woman’s University hosts Texas Wildflower Day, celebrating its 45th year. This event emphasizes the ecological importance of native plants and pollinator habitats, offering workshops, art sessions, and tours to promote biodiversity. The TWU gardens serve as a conservation model, demonstrating urban habitat restoration's impact.