North Texas

On this warm winter day, it’s busy at the bird feeders outside my office window with the usual backyard crew.

Jason introduces a novel use for terracotta chia pots in supporting house plants.

On Tuesday, Liveable Arlington claimed victory as the Arlington City Council, by a 5-4 vote, denied Total Energies' request to drill more gas wells near a preschool. The grassroots group's lawsuit contested Total's drill zone map for violating setback ordinances. This decision marks their second success against Total.

In a birding career that has spanned more than half of his life, Ty Allen of Burleson has observed and logged 284 avian species in Johnson County, 371 throughout Texas and 383 in the United States. It’s a count that is continually being revised upward.

Not bad for someone who just turned 19.

Fort Worth procured 275 acres for Rock Creek Ranch Park, located by Rocky Creek Ranch and Benbrook Lake, preserving portions as natural land. Acquired for $6.75 million, it combines Open Space, park fees, and bond funds. Planned amenities and natural areas emphasize community input, with development post-2026 bond program.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency appointed Dr. Eartha Nance as the new administrator for Region 6, succeeding David Gray. Michael Fletcher was named Co-CEO of EarthX. Both bring extensive expertise to their roles, with Nance focusing on environmental justice and Fletcher on expanding EarthxTV's reach.

Fort Worth plans to purchase two solar-powered waterwheels in collaboration with Tarrant Regional Water District to clean litter from the Trinity River. These eco-friendly machines, inspired by Baltimore's successful "Mr. Trashwheel," aim to enhance water quality and aesthetics, with funding sought for construction and maintenance.

Windmill Hill Preserve in DeSoto, a project led by local Paul S. Dryer, transformed from a failed development site into a nature preserve. Named a trail after legendary guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan, it honors environmental and musical legacies, with community involvement and support from local authorities.

Dr. Carly Aulicky, recently appointed as North Texas Outreach and Stewardship Director for the Native Prairies Association of Texas, focuses on preserving diminishing prairies amidst rapid development. Her efforts include engaging communities through educational programs and collaborations, emphasizing prairies’ ecological benefits and Texas heritage.