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North Texas

Dumpster with colorful superhero mural in an empty parking lot.
May 15 2018, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Multi-family recycling law in Dallas faces final hurdle 

The final step for Dallas to mandate recycling for multi-family dwellings is a City Council vote on June 13. The ordinance requires recycling services for all residents, matching single-family home services, and aims to correct condo oversight. Advocates urge public support to ensure passage.
Cracked asphalt with scattered gravel.
May 14 2018, Julie Ryan

Joppa concrete debate reveals cracks in Dallas' environmental oversight

A proposed concrete plant in south Dallas' Joppa community sparked a debate about environmental health risks and zoning decisions. Residents had mixed feelings, with some prioritizing jobs over health concerns. City Council eventually denied the permit, highlighting the lack of proper environmental assessment in city development plans.
May 10 2018, RITA COOK

Green in Abilene? Check out these eco-friendly stops

The SoDa District Courtyard is one of the many repurposed historical buildings in Abilene. Courtesy of Tim Smith.

May 10, 2018

You never know where the Lorax will turn up. Even in West Texas.

Like other counter culture movements, environmentalism has seeped into the American psyche. We recently discovered even some folks in Abilene, a city of 130,000 about 150 miles west of DFW, say they are conscious of the need for green.

Aerial map with a central building and marked zones in green and blue circles.
May 09 2018, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Vote delayed on Arlington drilling setback waiver

Protestors opposed a gas drilling setback waiver during an Arlington City Council hearing, which was delayed to May 22 for more information. Total seeks to drill within 324 feet of homes, despite a denied request in February. Activists cite health risks, while some support the drilling.
Two women sit on the floor, surrounded by several open boxes and stacks of letters.
May 07 2018, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Seed collection at Dallas library is growing

The Dallas Public Library's Seed Library, housed in an old card catalog, offers free vegetable, fruit, and herb seeds to patrons, fostering urban agriculture. Classes are available, and no library card is needed. Seed donations support the expanding program, which aims to engage and sustain Dallas's gardening community.
Woman photographing landscape with large camera lens outdoors.
May 04 2018, JULIE THIBODEAUX

DFW wins second place in global bioblitz

DFW secured second place globally in the iNaturalist City Nature Challenge, with participants documenting over 2,500 species across 34,000 observations. Local nature enthusiasts, including Tracy Fandre, who logged the most observations, and Sam Kieschnick, who identified the most species, showcased the Metroplex's rich biodiversity.
May 01 2018, AMY MARTIN

Dallas woman wild about Texas native cats

The mountain lion is one of five native cats under threat in Texas. Photos courtesy of Texas Native Cats. 

May 2, 2018

A Dallas woman wants to raise awareness about Texas' native cats – not the domestic felines we know and love as pets but the wild kind, native to to the Lone Star State. There are five: the big cats - jaguar and mountain lion - (also called cougars or pumas), and the smaller cats - bobcat, ocelot and jaguarundi.  

Man in a greenhouse wearing a hat and overalls, surrounded by plants.
May 01 2018, MARSHALL HINSLEY

North Texas farmers focus of sustainable food blog

Amanda Vanhoozier launched Just Picked TX, a website directory and blog, to connect North Texas consumers with local farmers. It aims to deepen ties in the sustainable food community by promoting fairness, quality, and consumer–producer connections, fostering collaboration and community support for local food producers.