North Texas

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.

EarthShare Texas is a nonprofit raising funds for over 30 environmental charities, distributing unrestricted support for operations. They engage businesses and individuals through donations, workplace giving, and awareness campaigns, like "My Earth, My Texas," promoting sustainable actions.

A prescribed burn was conducted by a fire team at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas to maintain a 1.5-acre urban prairie. The burn, a crucial ecological tool, prevents shrub overgrowth and enriches soil. Experts and professionals attended a workshop to learn about fire's role in sustaining healthy prairies.

Celebrate an eco-friendly St. Patrick's Day with ten green ideas: reuse decorations, opt for biodegradable glitters, try meatless recipes, shop locally, use reusable dinnerware, choose eco-friendly disposables, enjoy outdoor activities, use public transport, donate to environmental causes, and choose natural dyes over chemicals.

The author recounts a poignant farewell visit to Fairfield Lake State Park before its closure. Reflecting on cherished memories and ecological losses, they lament the area's development and environmental changes. The visit was marked by nostalgia and a somber awareness of nature's irreplaceable beauty.

In March 2023, Dallas launched two initiatives to boost climate resilience: Whole Home Dallas connects residents to resources for weatherization and energy efficiency; Green Job Skills offers free, self-paced training for construction workers in energy-efficient home improvements. Both programs support the city's climate action goals.