North Texas

Rogers Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Texas, which cares for over 5,000 wild birds annually, is raising funds for a $20,000 generator after narrowly avoiding disaster during the 2021 winter storm. Many migratory birds rely on heating to survive winter; the center aims to ensure backup power availability.

Spending time in nature doing nothing can rejuvenate the mind and body through mindfulness. Recent outdoor experiences, such as sitting quietly and observing natural surroundings like grasses and butterflies, highlight the benefits. Practicing mindfulness in nature helps individuals focus on the present, enhancing both mental and physical well-being.

Garland residents worry ongoing cleanup near the former Globe Union plant won't remove all lead contamination. Despite EPA soil replacements and private testing revealing broader contamination, residents remain anxious about potential health impacts and insufficient evaluations, especially concerning local schools.

Three North Texans, including Wendel Withrow, Renee Roberson, and Haley Samsel, will be honored at the Texas Sierra Club Environmental Awards on October 16 at Chez Zee American Bistro in Austin. The event will be held both in-person and virtually, recognizing their environmental advocacy.

An Afghan immigrant family in Plano received solar panel installation assistance from Solar United Neighbors and Habitat for Humanity. After immigrating to the U.S. in 2015, they partnered with these organizations for renewable energy benefits. The project was supported by RISE Power and praised by Plano Solar Advocates.

Texas disputes NRC's approval of a high-level radioactive waste facility in West Texas, contradicting recent state law. Environmentalists and local groups contest the site's legality and safety, citing risks to the Ogallala Aquifer and on-route cities. Critics also challenge the site's "temporary" status amidst broader nuclear waste challenges.

The NTREG/TXSES Diversity Internship Program, chaired by Rosa Orenstein, aims to boost diversity in the solar industry by introducing underrepresented students to clean energy careers. Funded by the Texas Solar Energy Society, the program offers paid part-time internships to diverse candidates and seeks more industry participation.

Jason Winningham shares the benefits of saving seeds from your garden bounty. Photo courtesy of Storyblocks.

"Green Source On the Air" will focus on food justice this month, highlighting challenges faced by North Texans due to environmental issues and the pandemic. Guests include Dawan Shockley, Tramonica Brown, Marcus Russell, and Todd Collier, discussing community responses, food insecurity solutions, and environmental connections on Zoom.