North Texas

The Native Prairies Association of Texas, a statewide conservation group, met its fundraising goal to hire a North Texas Outreach and Stewardship Director. This role will oversee local prairie stewardship and partnerships. Less than 1% of Texas's tallgrass prairies remain, and efforts aim to conserve remaining examples threatened by urban expansion.

Christmas Light Source, a Fort Worth-based business, offers free recycling of old or broken holiday lights and donates proceeds to Toys for Tots. The program processes thousands of pounds of lights annually, involving efficient recycling and selling old lights.

In this season when we tend to overstock our fridges and cupboards, Jason shares ways you can save food from going to the landfill.

The Arlington vote advances a fully funded Fort Worth-Dallas Regional Trail plan, bridging a gap between the two cities with a 30-mile trail. A projected 2023 completion promises expanded connectivity and health benefits, as supported by Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price.

Goodwill Industries International diverts approximately 76 million pounds of material annually from North Texas landfills, contributing to a worldwide upcycling effort of 4.6 billion pounds. This initiative not only reduces landfill waste but also creates employment opportunities, recycles various materials, and promotes sustainability and community stewardship.

Molly Rooke, a Dallas Sierra Club activist, encountered hazardous abandoned oil wells on her family ranch. A Texas judge halted the Texas Railroad Commission's COVID-19 waivers for oil and gas companies, which bypassed environmental rules. Public Citizen's lawsuit emphasizes landowner rights and cleanup responsibilities amid industry bankruptcies.

Wild turkeys, native to North Texas and part of Thanksgiving traditions, thrive in areas such as Dallas and Tarrant Counties. They are curious and social, often seen near lakes and preserves. Despite past declines due to hunting, their populations have rebounded significantly.

After canceling his initial plans due to the pandemic, UTA graduate Graham Feil completed the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail using a "Flip Flop" strategy. Despite challenges like social distancing and wildlife encounters, Feil enjoyed the solitary journey and plans more hikes, emphasizing the value of nature and urban green spaces.

The Trinity River Paddling Trail in North Texas, now a National Recreation Trail, offers diverse paddling experiences. Before exploring, check river conditions and learn basic techniques. Popular routes include the Clear, West, and Elm Forks, and the Dallas urban Main Stem. Safety tips and resources for equipment and group trips are available.

The Trinity River Paddling Trail, with 21 launch sites over 130 miles, has been designated as a National Recreation Trail, marking a transformation from its polluted past. This enhances North Texas's nature tourism appeal, fostering regional ecological appreciation and economic growth while offering unique wildlife and recreational experiences.