North Texas

Public Citizen highlights five Texas bills that threaten local environmental control, shifting power to state lawmakers and stifling community initiatives. These bills hinder local regulation of emissions, equipment, and short-term rentals, imposing fines on multiple state complaints. Citizens are urged to oppose these bills to preserve local governance.

PepsiCo researchers in North Texas are using compost bins to test biodegradable food packaging, aiming to replace plastic waste. The facility accelerates innovation, striving for home compostability and marine degradability. Amid criticism of plastic pollution, PepsiCo seeks to lead with eco-friendly packaging by 2025.

The free Oak Cliff Earth Day on April 16 at Lake Cliff Park offers entertainment, environmental education booths, green vendors, and food trucks. Highlights include performances by Bandan Koro and local schools, and a proclamation ceremony honoring the West Dallas Gateway Pecan Tree. Hosted by Green Source DFW and the Memnosyne Institute.

A new Bison Viewing Deck at Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge offers visitors a unique perspective to view the only publicly accessible bison herd in North Texas. Bison, once nearly extinct, are now thriving with careful management. The deck is accessible, and visitors are reminded of the bison's power and unpredictability.

Pizza Verde, a 100% plant-based pizzeria in Fort Worth, was founded by Jennifer and Landon Cabarubio, offering a diverse vegan menu with unique toppings and their own dairy-free mozzarella. After pop-up beginnings, they opened a brick-and-mortar location, expanding DFW’s vegan dining scene.

Cedar Hill and Austin, near Dallas, Texas, were recently named Bird City Texas designees by Audubon Texas and Texas Parks and Wildlife. This certification recognizes cities for bird-friendly initiatives, including habitat protection and community engagement to support both bird and human communities.

The Texas Buckeye Trail hikes start March 25 with guided walks in the Great Trinity Forest. Ned Fritz discovered the buckeye grove in the 1970s, fighting against the Trinity barge canal project. The trail, named after Ned and Genie Fritz, was restored by activists and now hosts weekend walks.

The Fort Worth Nature Center is upgrading its boardwalk, renamed the Marty Leonard Lotus Marsh Boardwalk. The $3 million project adds wheelchair accessibility and educational features, funded by grants and city contributions. Construction includes using AquaDam to minimize ecological impact, with improvements expected to complete by June.

EPA officials visited the Barnett Shale, noting pollution risks from fracking near residential areas. Community members, including Liveable Arlington, highlighted lax regulations and health concerns. Despite past productivity, Barnett output has declined. Locals seek stronger monitoring and oversight, amidst challenges from state laws limiting city fracking bans.

Texas State Parks mark their 100th anniversary with free entry during celebrations. Events highlight historic achievements and focus on future improvements while raising funds for park enhancements. Despite challenges, like the potential loss of Fairfield Lake Park and new ventures like Palo Pinto Mountains Park, the Centennial aims to engage more visitors statewide.