North Texas

Hackberry leafrollers, or Sciota celtidella, devoured the leaves of hackberries across North Texas, creating spooky webs. Despite initial concerns, pest specialist Wizzie Brown assures residents the outbreak is non-threatening, and the trees will recover. These caterpillars provide food for migrating birds, so pesticides aren't needed.

Sam Kieschnick, a Fort Worth-based urban wildlife biologist for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, has inspired many to use iNaturalist, a popular naturalist app. He's made over 100,000 observations, placing him among the top 10 observers worldwide, out of 2.4 million users.

Despite a recent setback, big cat advocates say mountain lions in Texas may be closer than ever to finally being granted minimal protections. Most land in Texas is privately owned, so anywhere that mountain lions live is likely on private property.

Timber Press will release "Wild DFW" in April, a North Texas nature guide by Dallas writer Amy Martin. With cover art by Mariell Guzman, the book highlights local natural spaces, ecology, and weather, plus insights from experts. Martin, a seasoned environmental reporter, aims to inspire nature preservation and tourism.

Install a rain gauge and rain barrel to harness rainwater, saving 1,300 gallons yearly. Quality barrels with brass spigots, proper placement, mosquito prevention, and stable bases are vital. Ready-made and DIY options exist, like Epoch, Wayfair, and Home Depot barrels. Complement with unique rain gauges from Mo Clune or La Crosse Technology.

Artcycle Club is a series by Dallas artist VET, who creates art from repurposed materials. In the video, she demonstrates how to make a rain stick using items found around the home.

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.

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 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.

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.