North Texas

Oak Cliff Earth Day returns April 3, 2022, at Lake Cliff Park, Dallas, after a two-year pause. The event features eco-friendly vendors, speakers, and entertainment, including Marsha Jackson, a 2020 environmental award winner. Hosted by Green Source DFW and the Memnosyne Institute, it is supported by Dallas College.

Environmental groups including Beyond Nuclear and Sierra Club are suing the NRC for approving a temporary high-level radioactive waste storage facility in West Texas, arguing it poses safety risks and violates federal laws. Texas and New Mexico also oppose the facility, expected to store vast nuclear waste amounts.

Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area is reviving its trail run after eight years, offering the Woods and Wetlands 6K+ and the Earth Day Dash. Scheduled for April 23, proceeds support restoration efforts. The event features a new Stewart Creek Trail and emphasizes participation over competition, including snacks and educational activities.

Rocky Creek Park, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, preserves one of the last Fort Worth prairies at Benbrook Lake. The updated master plan designates 1,100 acres as Environmentally Sensitive Areas, protecting significant landscapes and habitats. The park offers diverse wildlife, trails, and unique prairie ecosystems.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine led a coalition to highlight environmental impacts, including nuclear risks and pollution. An open letter signed by over 1,000 global entities underscores the potential environmental crisis from military actions in industrial areas and stresses the connection between peace and environmental health.

Plant researchers are launching an effort to sequence the genome of every plant on Earth, comprising about 500,000 species. This Earth BioGenome Project aims to solve global challenges like food scarcity and climate change, with potential applications in agriculture, medicine, and ecology through plant-based solutions.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden's popular "Butterflies in the Garden" exhibit features around 2,500 butterflies from various continents, facing initial challenges due to weather delays. The six-week event, running through April 10, emphasizes conservation and marks a celebratory post-renovation reopening.

Vegans can now indulge in comfort food at Project Pollo in Dallas, offering delectable plant-based dishes like Mushroom Impossible Cheeseburgers and Buffalo Mac N’ Cheez. Founded by Lucas Bradbury, the chain is expanding rapidly, aiming to promote animal welfare and affordable, tasty vegan options nationwide.