North Texas

Tarrant County residents, supported by Mansfield officials, oppose a proposed concrete plant due to pollution concerns. They’re preparing for a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality hearing and have raised funds for legal fees. Residents fear health impacts, and local representatives argue the plant belongs in an industrial, not residential, area.

Dallas artist Sharon Zigrossi transforms castoff hubcaps into art, embellishing them with found objects to create vibrant designs. Her work, sold under "Blooming Hub Caps," uses discarded materials, reflecting her love for recycling. She also hosts workshops, sharing her meditative creative process with others.

Allen ISD's new STEAM Center, designed by VLK Architects, integrates arts into STEM education with indoor-outdoor learning spaces, sustainable design, and innovative facilities, promoting environmental education. It addresses a national STEM skills gap and offers diverse classes and real-world experiences, including ecological zones and a living laboratory pond.

Audubon Texas is launching a Clean Energy Future Campaign to address climate change impacts on birds by transitioning to clean energy in DFW. Events in Dallas (Sept. 18) and Fort Worth (Sept. 24) aim to recruit volunteers from all demographics to support clean energy initiatives and habitat preservation efforts.

Dallas invites residents to six public meetings between Sept. 17 and Oct. 3 for input on a Climate Action Plan. The city hired AECOM to develop the plan. An online survey will be available Sept. 17-Oct. 27 for further feedback. Contact Susan Alvarez or Brittany Hailey for more information.

At the 8th annual Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership Awards on Nov. 14 at the Dallas Arboretum, Austin-based Montopolis will headline, performing "The Legend of Big Bend." The event celebrates North Texas green heroes, featuring awards, music, and a video tribute to Big Bend National Park.

On Sept. 19, North Texas Giving Day amplifies donations to over 3,000 nonprofits, including environmental and animal welfare groups. Donors can preschedule gifts from Sept. 9, with all contributions eligible for bonus funds. Communities Foundation of Texas governs the event, featuring Dirk and Jessica Nowitzki as honorary chairs.

Chris Guldi of the Dallas Sierra Club leads Climate Walks to raise climate change awareness in Dallas. The two-mile guided tours cover local landmarks and aim to educate participants on climate impacts and solutions, highlighting Dallas's investments in fossil fuels and health effects of extreme weather.

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s 10,000-square-foot Rainforest Conservatory has quietly reopened after being closed since 2016 due to maintenance and safety issues. Repairs included glass replacements and mechanical overhauls. A grand opening is planned for early 2020, supported by varied funding sources amid ongoing renovation needs.