North Texas

Carrying a nature journal aids detailed observation and reflection, enhancing memories and mindfulness. Writing and drawing in nature help us engage deeply, refine vocabulary, and inspire self-reflection. Overcoming hurdles such as time constraints and lack of skill can enrich our experiences, making nature journaling a rewarding endeavor.

Fort Worth's new city hall will consolidate 22 departments into a repurposed 20-story building, emphasizing sustainability with LEED certification, advanced energy, lighting, and water management systems, and native landscaping. The initiative will save costs, vacate numerous properties, and exemplify efficient service delivery. Completion is expected by early 2024.

Fort Worth, in partnership with the Texas Trees Foundation, seeks public input for its first Urban Forest Master Plan. The plan will evaluate urban forest resources, identify priority planting areas, and create a strategic vision. A virtual workshop highlighted issues like clearcutting and tree preservation. Feedback is open via a survey until February's end.

Alligator sightings near Lake Worth led to a meeting among local residents, city officials, and wildlife experts. Concerns about safety were discussed, but experts reassured attendees about alligators' typically unaggressive nature. Increased sightings might be due to changing environments, while experts discourage feeding alligators to prevent aggression.

The 2022 Green Gift Guide showcases eco-friendly gift options including sustainable products from Rooted In Nursery, local food services, vegan-friendly stores, and unique kid kits. Offerings include Forever Sneakers, Fig Brew, artisan goods from Chisholm Country Store, and gifts for pets, emphasizing sustainability and conservation across categories.

Local environmentalists gathered at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden for the 11th annual Green Source DFW Awards, celebrating North Texas environmental heroes. John Wilt, Julie Ann Fineman, Kim Aman, Suzanne Tuttle, Akash Munshi, Brand Richter, John MacFarlane, Kathryn Bazan, Tolbert Greenwood, and Lon Burnam were honored for their environmental contributions.

Thanksgiving, a beloved time for family, friends, and a feast, now offers abundant vegan options that rival traditional dishes. Vegan products have surged, with restaurants and stores like Field Roast and Gardein providing plant-based roasts. Dine-in, takeout, or home cooking, vegan choices brighten the holiday table.

Stephen Gault founded EcoMow, a Dallas lawncare business using battery-electric tools to counter noise pollution, with 230 clients four years later. Initially struggling but now expanding, EcoMow helps EGO develop electric equipment. There’s growing interest in quieter, eco-friendly services amid rising environmental awareness.

The Trust for Public Land envisions a park within a 10-minute walk of every Dallas home, with a focus on South Oak Cliff. The Five Mile Creek Urban Greenbelt aims to connect trails and parks, backed by significant funding, benefiting the community's environment, health, and equity.

Organic gardening and wildlife experts, like Howard Garrett and Texas A&M horticulturists, advise against bagging leaves, emphasizing benefits for landscapes and wildlife. Leaves enrich soil, reduce runoff, and save costs. They recommend mowing, mulching, and composting. Wildlife relies on leaf litter for habitat, and leaving leaves supports diverse ecosystems.