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North Texas

Ned Fritz Scholarship winner inspired by Arlington nature center

Heather van Waasbergen, inspired by River Legacy Nature Center, plans to become a wildlife veterinarian. She received the Ned Fritz Scholarship, celebrating her environmental commitment and Unitarian values. Van Waasbergen aims to address global warming impacts on wildlife, studying at the University of California, Davis.

Ban the blower? Gas-powered lawn tools blast suburban bliss

At dawn, loud and polluting gas leaf blowers invade neighborhoods, disrupting peace. These devices emit significant pollution and noise akin to jets. Electric alternatives are viable, quieter, and cleaner. Cities are shifting to electric blowers, promoting bans and buyback programs to ease transitions while considering lawn care businesses.

Children should face their fears of the forest

Children should explore the woods often and fearlessly, learning to do so safely. Urban kids' fears, like of snakes, can be mitigated with education. Encouraging outdoor exploration can counteract “nature-deficit disorder.” Teaching safety rules helps foster confidence in nature while avoiding harm to wildlife.

Nominations open for Green Source DFW Awards

Nominate your green heroes for the 11th Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership Awards by September 30, 2022. The awards, hosted by Green Source DFW and the Memnosyne Institute, return in person this November. Nominate in eight categories like Environmental Justice and Green Innovation.

Two Arlington businesses have roots in owners' love of trees

Ryan Elliott left his corporate job to pursue a passion for arboriculture, launching Treehugger Tree Service. Caleb Geer, influenced by his father's tree business, started Urban Tree Merchants, creating products from local tree waste. They promote sustainable tree care, recycling urban wood into custom items.

Laura Bush's nonprofit nudging Texas companies into protecting environment

Texan by Nature, founded by Laura Bush in 2011, mediates between companies and environmental groups for conservation projects. The nonprofit collaborates with over 100 organizations on initiatives like the Lights Out Texas campaign and Dark Skies initiative, enhancing conservation efforts across Texas and influencing broader environmental impact.

Hiker's guide to dirt trails in DFW

Aug. 18, 2022

Local cities invest millions in paved paths, yet largely ignore the public’s passion for soft-surface trails. 

While the quality excels, for a 10,000-plus square-mile metroplex of nearly seven million people, there should be at least twice as much. 

But let’s explore dirt-trail options for DFW urban nature retreats while we wait for city leaders to catch up. 

Dirt trails lead to close encounters with nature

Aug. 18, 2022

A few years ago, I shattered my C2 vertebra, an injury only two percent survive. The surgeon’s solution was to fuse my top three vertebrae, but the end result was to make my head unable to turn, diminishing my sense of balance by 20 percent. 

As I learned to walk again with a walker and then a cane, sidewalks and streets were essential, but I yearned to hike on dirt again. Six months after the neck wreck, I stopped by Clear Creek Natural Heritage Area near Denton. 

Gourmet vegan restaurant just steps from Dallas parks

Aug. 12, 2022

Blending plant-based versions of comfort foods with unique vegan creations, Belse ensures everyone in your party goes home happy. 

Settle in with a sizable entrée or cobble together a meal from imaginative soups, salads and appetizers. Finish with a cute dessert and walk it all off at the many nearby parks.

Arlington activists push back on new gas drilling

Arlington approved 11 new gas wells near homes without public input, sparking activist opposition. The 2019 ordinance allows administrative approvals in established zones without notifying residents. Critics, like Liveable Arlington, cite health studies linking fracking to serious impacts. Total Energies operates the Bruder site, with activists demanding stricter regulations.