North Texas

Rattlesnakes, viewed with both fear and fascination, have cultural significance but face misunderstanding and persecution. Their rattles serve as warnings, yet myths persist about their abilities and behaviors. Despite misconceptions, rattlesnakes are mostly non-aggressive and vital to ecosystems, necessitating cautious coexistence and conservation.

The Native Plant Society of Texas annually honors entities advancing its mission. This year’s awardees include Amy Martin, Cecil Carter, Kim Conrow, Betsy Farris, Kyle Cowart, Barney Lipscomb, and Lingleville ISD PTO. These individuals are recognized for contributions to conservation, research, and education in Texas native plants.

Visit the Westbrook House in Fairview during the National Solar Tour on Oct. 5, to explore its pioneering energy efficiency and eco-friendly features, built by Paul Westbrook. The house uses passive solar design, geothermal systems, and rainwater collection, showcasing sustainable living and hosting public tours to inspire similar initiatives.

Liveable Arlington, alongside Greenpeace Paris and Stop Total, protested Total Energies' fracking expansion in Arlington, Texas, citing health risks and environmental injustice. Total, operating nearly 200 wells in Arlington, faces local pushback, especially near schools and daycares, with plans to add 10 new wells.

Black-tailed prairie dogs are back at the Fort Worth Nature Center after a decade. Rescued from imminent destruction, they were relocated by Nature Center staff and collaborators. Prairie dogs play vital roles in ecosystems, but have faced challenges due to past eradication efforts. The relocation uses improved techniques, maintaining their family groups to increase survival rates.

A local performance group, Watering Hole Collective, is presenting "I Am an Island," a surrealist dark comedy addressing global warming. The play follows May's journey to raise awareness of her sinking island through political demonstration. Nonprofit partners host post-show discussions, with play proceeds supporting these organizations.

The Air Sensor Summit on Sept. 19 in Dallas, hosted by city partners, will discuss low-cost air sensors. It features speakers from EPA and academia. The city has installed 24 sensors through D-CAMP to supplement existing monitors, addressing local air quality concerns. The free event includes lunch.

Nearly two years after the initial proposal, the Colleyville City Council unanimously approved the Bluffs at Colleyville housing development amid resident opposition. The nine-home project, down from an initial 19, will include city-dedicated land for tree preservation, while some residents remain concerned about losing native forest areas.

A revitalization effort for neglected Dallas cemeteries, led by the Friends of Warren Ferris Cemetery, has successfully transformed Warren Ferris Cemetery into a refuge and is now expanding to five additional cemeteries. The initiative, Constellation of Living Memorials, aims to restore cultural significance and green space, requiring larger organizational support.

Every spring, hummingbirds migrate to Texas and stay during summer. Ornithologist Cliff Shackelford explains Texas hosts around 20 species, with the ruby-throated hummingbird being most common. Attract hummingbirds by planting native flowers and avoiding chemicals. Supplement with sugar water feeders sans red dye. Overall, most hummingbirds are stable despite general bird declines.