The local Texas Campaign for the Environment office is hosting follow up meetings about the gas drilling issue  in Dallas. TCE is also launching a statewide campaign to urge Wal-mart to start a take back recycling program for old and obsolete electronics and this will be a forum to discuss this program. Electronic waste is toxic waste (it contains lead, mercury and many hazardous chemicals) that doesn’t belong in D/FW landfills – which are often situated close to area waterways. TCE is thus urging Walmart to match the recycling program Best Buy is offering in their retail stores nationwide, and we launched a “social media action”.  

The goal of the market is to provide a venue for local vendors to offer Arlington, Texas residents an opportunity to buy the freshest meat, produce, breads and other great foods, crafts and products available.

Please take the time to share and enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh foods and feel good about supporting your community Downtown Arlington Farmer’s Market. We look forward to seeing you there!

Night Hike
8:00 p.m. Friday, June 1, 2012
at the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area

We may hear some bumps in the night, but have no fear...it’s probably just an armadillo. Follow our trail guides on a moonlit stroll down the Redbud Trail. Coyotes howling, owls hooting, and other nocturnal sounds will provide an out-of-the-ordinary hiking experience.

No flashlights are necessary. Ages 5 years and up.

The hike will be rescheduled in the event of rain. Registration required at 972-219-3930 or lisacole@unt.edu.

The hike is $7 per person, or $2/person for LLELA season pass holders.

LLELA is located at 201 E. Jones St., Lewisville, TX.
More information can be found at:  972-219-3930 or www.ias.unt.edu/llela.

The Trinity Bird Count is an exciting new effort to count every bird species in and along our Trinity River in Dallas! Birds are among the most beautiful and intriguing visitors and residents of the forests, grasslands, river banks and neighborhoods along the Trinity River.

This year, the Trinity Commons Foundation begins an exciting new project to learn about the Trinity's birds – the Trinity Bird Count. With 636 of the 957 bird species in North America, Texas is for the birds! Come enjoy the Trinity and help investigate the birds that live along the Trinity or that visit here during their migration.

The Trinity Bird Count is underway! Here are the next opportunities to join us in the count! 

Area #7 –Joppa Preserve, on June 2, 2012 from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. Meet at the Joppa Preserve. Go south on I-45. Then go left (east) on Loop 12. Stay in right lane. Go right onto the Service Road, then down to the Boat Ramp. Parking is on right. Click here to see location of parking.

Area #3 - Levee B – Lake Cliff Park, on June 23, 2012, from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m.. Meet at Lake Cliff Park.

Birding On Your Own

Individual birders can also help us learn about the migration this spring. Individuals (or groups of friends) can bird on their own at any time and contribute their birding results to this project. Simply use eBird to record your sightings and then ‘share’ your checklist with us at join@trinitybirdcount.com ..For information on eBird, go to http://ebird.org/content/ebird .

Need More Information?

For more information, and to sign up for these trips, go to www.trinitybirdcount.com or contact us at
join@trinitybirdcount.com ..Thanks for your help! And Good Birding! 

A bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables creates a colorful welcome to those who appreciate the "buy fresh, buy local" idea. Seasonal fruits create a spectacular palette! The freshest vegetables in North Dallas will excite your culinary talents! Also available are pasture fed beef, pork, lamb, and the freshest eggs you'll find. Buy pasta, seafood, cheesecake, muffins, gourmet items, and honey - all fresh! Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. or sell-out. Open May 5 to Oct. 20, 2012.

This event is free and open to the public. 

Please register for these and any “green” classes in Irving by visiting www.cityofirving.org/begreen, then click on “Educational Opportunities”.  For more information, call 972-742-2296. 

According to Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen, authors of The Urban Homestead, “The laying hen is the indisputable queen of urban stock. Chickens are so easy to raise and useful in so many ways, it is easy to see why they are popular. Anywhere you find people, you are likely to find chickens – they are nearly as ubiquitous as dogs and have been for thousands of years since they were first lured out of the jungles of East Asia and into domestication.” Students attending this class will learn about the many varieties of chickens, which are best for eggs and meat, about chicken coops, and other benefits and challenges to having chickens in an urban setting.

*Part of Irving’s Urban Farming Lecture Series

Saturday, June 2
8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Senter East Building
228 Chamberlain St.

Speaker: Dan Probst, Owner/Proprietor of Bageniece Farms in Poetry, Texas

Bio:
Dan says, "Backyard chickens are about eggs, family involvement and fun." He has spent 40 years in the food service and food industry from restaurateur to chef and major food company executive. He moved to Poetry, Texas in 2006 and began raising chickens, ducks, turkeys, and geese. Probst currently breeds 25 different breeds of poultry. Probst is very active with "backyard chicken legal matters" in the DFW area as well as the education of potential and new poultry owners. To learn more, visit www.polishfarm.com.

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City of Dallas Water Utilities, City of Dallas Stormwater Management, City of Dallas Park & Recreation, Texas AgriLife Extension, the Dallas County Master Gardeners and the Town of Addison are teaming up with surrounding cities to demonstrate the beauty of Water-Wise and EarthKind™ gardening with the 18th annual Water-Wise Landscape Tour.

Dallas County Master Gardeners will be conducting free 30 minute talks on Water-Wise gardening every hour on the hour at each of the tour headquarters. Dallas County Master Gardener volunteers will also be assisting homeowners and helping answer questions about the plants and landscapes on the tour.

The first 100 visitors at each of the three tour headquarters will receive a free hose nozzle. For more information on this tour, call the Water Conservation Hotline at (214) 670-3155 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

TOUR HEADQUARTERS

CENTRAL: City of Dallas – White Rock Pump Station – 2900 White Rock Road – Dallas, TX 75214
[Map] [Photos]

NORTH: Town of Addison – Les Lacs Linear Park – 3901 Beltway Drive – Addison, TX 75001
[Map] [Photos]

SOUTH: Lake Cliff Park – E. Colorado Blvd. at N. Zang Blvd. – Dallas, TX 75203
[Map] [Photos]

DEMONSTRATION GARDENS

Earth-Kind™ Demonstration Garden – 2311 Joe Field Road – Dallas, TX 75229 [Map] [Photos]

EarthKind Trial Rose Garden – 2610 Valley View Lane – Farmers Branch, TX 75234 [Map] [Photos]

Upper Trinity Regional Water District – 900 N. Kealy Street – Lewisville, TX 75057 [Map] [Photos]

Wagon Wheel Tennis Park – 345 Freeport Parkway – Coppell, TX 75019 [Map] [Photos]

Valley View Municipal Complex – 333 Valley View Lane – Irving, TX 75061 [Map] [Photos]

National Trails Day ®: The first Saturday of June is National Trails Day.

Come out to the Nature Center and make your mark on our trails. Start the morning volunteering with Natural Guard improving our trails.

Natural Guard: Individuals can help keep the Nature Center beautiful by volunteering for Natural Guard. Volunteers assist Refuge staff in trail maintenance, brush clearing, bridge building and much more. 

For all Natural Guard volunteers, join us for a hike along the Canyon Ridge Trail and learn about the CCC’s contribution to the Nature Center.

Natural Guard is from 9 am - 12pm.

CCC Hike is from 1 - 4 p.m.

$5 (with paid admission)/ MEMBERS and 6/2/2012 Natural Guard Volunteers FREE.

National Trails Day - Trail Hikes

Four Guided Trail Hikes will depart from the Science Center at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm and 1 pm in celebration of National Trails Day. RSVP for one of the hikes by calling 817.860.6752. Trail is not stroller friendly.

WHEN: Saturday, 6/2
6 p.m.
WHERE: Crystal Canyon Natural Area / Preserve
North Arlington - SE corner of Brown Blvd & N. Collins

Celebrate National Trails Day & join Master Naturalist Jim Varnum for a trail walk at Arlington's newest preserve. More details to follow, but please mark your calendar & plan to join us!

Since parking is limited, please RSVP so we can plan ahead to avoid parking problems.

http://www.arlingtonconservationcouncil.org/ 

Benefit Concert for North Texas Peace and Justice Community 

Benefit Concert hosted By
Dallas Peace Center, CodePINK,  Hope 4 Peace and Justice, Pax Christi-Dallas, North Texas Veterans for Peace, Jobs with Justice, Occupy Dallas, Dallas MoveOn   
Saturday, June 2, 6 p.m. Reception. 7 p.m. Performance. 
Interfaith Peace Chapel Cathedral of Hope 5910 Cedar Springs Rd. Dallas  
$10 suggested donation at the door. No one turned away

RSVP and more info: jharris866@aol.com 
Dallas Peace Center | 5910 Cedar Springs Rd | Dallas | TX | 75235-6806

Stargeezer Star Party- Garland

Life on the Prairie, Prairie Vertebrates: Animals of the prairie such as bison and White-tailed Deer can be seen at the Nature Center.

We will discuss some of these vertebrates and we will take off to find as many of these animals and/or signs of these animals as we can.

Part 5 of the Life on the Prairie series. $5 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS FREE.

Please join us for a lively presentation and discussion...Sun., June 3rd, 7:00, Central Market - Lovers Lane

- Alternate Finance, Banking & Commerce in a Post-[   _____]_Metroplex

- Central Market - Lovers Lane & Central Expwy - Dallas

- 7:00 - 8:30 plus discussion - but come early for dinner/dessert/coffee at C/M

- Speaker is Dick Pierce, PC Instructor, of the Austin Permaculture Guild

- Bring friends, neighbors, and other folks that you care about. This is an entertaining and thought-provoking talk about what is changing, needs to change, will change in DFW lifestyles, business, commerce in the post-__[everything]___ era just ahead - environmentally friendly/caring, local community, local businesses and products, more sustainable, less oil/less transport, more self-reliant, more fun...

- Who should be there: Permaculture people, Green Living folks, the Transition Movement, Slow Money, Slow Food, Localization/Re-Localizationetc. All who care about and want to shape/get ready for a future that will be very different than today and who want that to be a fun; also those who care about the DFW we will be leaving to our grandchildren.

General admission to the Museum is free on the first Tuesday of every month.

First Tuesday programming is specifically designed for children ages five and under, but all ages are welcome. Enjoy thematic art-making activities, story times, performances, and gallery activities.

Location: Dallas Museum of Art
Presented by: Dallas Museum of Art 
11am-2pm 

FREE

214-922-1312 

View WEBSITE

*Venus Transit Day: Since Venus orbits between the Earth and the Sun, we have the opportunity to see it transit (pass in front of the Sun) every so often.

On June 5th, we will have that opportunity. Join Nature Center staff and Fort Worth Astronomical Society members in celebrating this event. We will have activities for kids and of course, scopes set up to see Venus move across the sky with the Sun as our backdrop.

FREE (with paid admission)

This event is free and open to the public. 

Please register for these and any “green” classes in Irving by visiting www.cityofirving.org/begreen, then click on “Educational Opportunities”.  For more information, call 972-742-2296. 

Oftentimes we get excited about solar, wind and geothermal installations as a possible solution to our energy consumption, but those types of energy solutions can be expensive. Start with baby steps. This class will teach students simple auditing techniques for detecting drafty areas in the home as well as inexpensive follow-up solutions to fixing those leaks.

Tuesday, June 5
6 to 7:30 p.m.
West Irving Library
4444 W. Rochelle Road

Speaker:  Oncor Representative

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Galveston by Bobette & Larry Brasfield - NTC Monthly Meeting (AT)

Wednesday, June 6, 2012     6:30 PM

Topic:  “Conservation Opportunities and Nature Areas in the Galveston Area”

Description:

When Spanish explorers arrived on a small barrier island off the coast of an uncharted land they called it Malhado, Isle of Misfortune.  Known as Galveston today, geology and climate have blessed and cursed the island.  Barely 8 feet above sea level and a storms’ surge away from oblivion,  Galveston was destined to become a great port where thousands of immigrants would enter the North American Continent, where pirates walked, US Civil War battles raged, and organized crime ruled until 1960.

The same geology and climate that shaped her human history have also created a unique natural environment. Galveston Island and the surrounding environs are a part time home for half of all North American Bird species. Turtle lookouts patrol the beach in search of nesting turtles, alligators glide through near by bayous, leaping dolphins are a common sight in the bay and just off shore in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary manta rays and whale sharks soar above reefs in breathless proximity to our massive oil and gas industry.

Please join us June 6th when Bobette and Larry Brasfield share the story of Galveston including a multitude of cultural and natural science options for your next visit.  Oh, and eating and drinking establishments as well!

Galveston, where crashing waves are prelude to children’s shouts and mysteries still abound. 

Meetings are open to the public.

Location: The Dallas County AgriLife Extension Office
10056 Marsh Lane, Dallas (Map)
Suite B-101 (downstairs)
(This is located at the NE corner of Marsh Lane & Walnut Hill, next to Wendy's)

Approved AT (1 hour) - JEV 5/6/2012
 

Historic McKinney Farmers Market at Adriatica 

Thursday, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m (or until sell-out)

The Adriatica market is located at 6851 Virginia Pkway, (the corner of Virginia Pkway. and Adriatic Pkway.), McKinney, TX 75071

Click here for a map

Here are some of the vendors at the market for the 2012 season:

Alice the Facepainter (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

AP Apiaries (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

Berry Best Farm  (Chestnut Square and Adriatica, seasonal blueberries)

Chef Milton's Chili Nuts (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Donna's Crafty Creations

Dream Art Glass (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

Local Family Farms (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

Lucidos Herbs, Pasta, Sauces and Canned Vegetables (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Luscombe Farms (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Purple Ranch Lavender (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Rehoboth Ranch Meats (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Stephanie's Cookies (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

St. Lucia Bread Company (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

The Tamale Company (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

Three Red Hens Farm (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Come on down and enjoy an old time market…sometimes we’ll have special events and entertainment!  While not as diverse as the old Jockey Lot held in downtown McKinney during the mid 20th century, we’ll try to re-create the feel of the old market days. Meet friends, share local news and bring a chair and sit a while! 

What is the Live Green in Plano Volunteer Program? 

The Live Green in Plano Volunteer Program is a local training opportunity for volunteers to work in partnership with the staff of the Sustainability & Environmental Services Department and extend information throughout our community. Live Green Volunteers will pledge to take individual actions toward greener living and help others do the same.

Series Includes:

-   Waste Diversion / Consumerism
-   Water Quality / Indoor Conservation
-   Compost, Native Plants, Irrigation
-   Air Quality, Energy
-   Green Building
-   Getting the Word Out

Material is presented through City of Plano Environmental Education Coordinators, guest speakers, volunteers, film, tours, demonstrations and class discussion.

THU June 7, 2012    7:00pm - 9:00pm
FRI June 8, 2012    7:00pm - 9:00pm
SAT June 9, 2012    8:00am - 5:00pm

Register here: http://livegreeninplano.obsres.com/Info.aspx?EventID=12

Learn basic steps you can take to reduce waste, become familiar with the waste services Plano provides, and get the big picture on the impact of litter in our lives. 

THU June 7, 2012    7:00pm - 9:00pm
THU Sept 20, 2012    7:00pm - 9:00pm

To register, please visit this http://livegreeninplano.obsres.com/Info.aspx?EventID=12

The Downtown Arlington Farmer’s Market is a community-oriented market focusing on Texas provided foods, arts, crafts, services and wares. We are located at 215 Front Street Arlington, Texas 76011 and we open every Friday and Saturday from 8AM to 1PM.

The goal of the market is to provide a venue for local vendors to offer Arlington, Texas residents an opportunity to buy the freshest meat, produce, breads and other great foods, crafts and products available.

Please take the time to share and enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh foods and feel good about supporting your community Downtown Arlington Farmer’s Market. We look forward to seeing you there!

Learn where your tap water comes from, what activates a drought contingency plan, how to conserve water in your home, and how to prevent contamination of our watershed. 

FRI. June 8, 2012    7:00pm - 9:00pm
THU Sept 27, 2012    7:00pm - 9:00pm

To register, please visit http://livegreeninplano.obsres.com/Info.aspx?EventID=12

From: Friday, June 08, 2012 7:30 PM to: 6/8/2012 11:30 PM

Beastro features the finest area restaurants stationed throughout the Zoo serving sample appetizers, entrées and desserts. In addition to the delectable cuisine, the event will feature open bars throughout the park and live entertainment from Sister Hazel and Time Machine. Several animal exhibits are expected to remain open until sunset, and the Zoo’s Wild Wonders Outreach animals will greet this year’s partygoers. 

Beastro tickets, $95 for non-members and $85 for Zoo members, include all food, drinks and entertainment. VIP tickets, $150 each, include early event access at 7 p.m. and a private bar in the VIP area. All tickets are available for purchase online  through noon on June 8. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase the night of the event for $110 each.

To date, the 2012 participating restaurants include: Blue Mesa Grill, Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine, Buffalo Cantina, Café Brazil, Cast Iron at the Omni Fort Worth, Central Market, Chadra Mezza & Grill, Corner Bakery Cafe, Daddy Jack’s Lobster & Chowder House, Fletchers Corny Dogs & Funnel Cakes, Fred’s Truck Wagon, H3 Ranch at the Stockyards Hotel, Hot Chocolates, Kona Ice of Fort Worth, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Red Cactus Fresh Mexican Food, Red Jett Sweets, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Simply Fondue Fort Worth, Texas de Brazil, The Tavern Bar & Grill, The Wild Mushroom Restaurant & Lounge, Tokyo Cafe, Wiener Man, Winslow’s Wine Cafe, YES! Taco, YO! Frozen Yogurt Lounge and Zoës Kitchen. More restaurants are being added daily, so visit the Zoo’s website for the most current list.

Attire for Beastro is summer chic, and comfortable shoes are highly recommended, as the event requires walking throughout the Zoo. All guests must be at least 21 years old to attend, no exceptions. 

For more information, go to our website  or contact the Beastro ticket hotline at 817/759-7373.

Learn how to conserve water in your landscape by making use of compost, native plants and optimizing your irrigation system. 

SAT June 9, 2012    8:00am - 10:00am
THU Oct. 4, 2012    7:00pm - 9:00pm

To register for this event, please visit http://livegreeninplano.obsres.com/Info.aspx?EventID=12

*Vegetarians - People Can Be Herbivores Too: Did you know there are different levels and types of vegetarian diets?

Do you know what non-meat proteins you should be looking for at the grocery store? Come and join us for a lighthearted beginners talk about vegetarianism and some light vegetarian friendly snacking.

Class is geared for adults, but children over 5 years are welcome.

Preregistration required. Maximum 12 participants. FREE (with paid admission).

For more information or to register by phone, call 817-392-7410.

Learn the meaning behind the term "green building", the benefits and importance of energy efficiency and simple steps you can take to make changes in your home environment. 

SAT June 9, 2012    1:00pm - 3:00pm
THU Oct. 18, 2012    7:00pm - 9:00pm

To register for this event, please visit http://livegreeninplano.obsres.com/Info.aspx?EventID=12

Learn about the resources, best practices and opportunities for community outreach in promoting the Live Green in Plano message. 

SAT June 9, 2012    3:00pm - 5:00pm
THU Oct. 25, 2012    7:00pm - 9:00pm

To register for this event, please visit http://livegreeninplano.obsres.com/Info.aspx?EventID=12

 Online Tickets

 June 9, 2012

6pm
Tour and appetizers at
Coppell Community Garden
 450 S. Denton Tap

7pm
Seated dinner in Grapevine Springs Park
Coppell Senior and Community Center 
at Grapevine Springs
345 Bethel Road

“Honoring the face and taste of local food”
Featuring food from CFM farmers/producers prepared by The International Culinary School 
at The Art Institute of Dallas

Tickets: $100/person, Purchase at the Coppell Farmers Market main tent
or buy online with fee.

Proceeds to support the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at the market and additional market promotions.

http://www.coppellfarmersmarket.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83&Itemid=343

Jim Sipiora has agreed to lead this trip all summer. 

We usually stop it for the summer but Jim says since the birds are there we should be there! The start time for June, July and August will change to 6:30 AM. Trying to Beat the Heat!

Birding at the Beds - 2nd Wednesday of the month - Summer schedule:

June 13th .................. 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM
July 11th ................... 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM
August 8th ................. 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Where: Meet in the parking lot of the Dunlop Sports Center on the south side of Green Oaks Blvd. between Davis Dr. and Fielder Rd. in Arlington, across from the entrance to Village Creek Drying Beds.

Leader: Jim Sipiora

Description: After meeting in the Dunlop Sports Center parking lot** we will carpool over to the drying beds. This field trip will be great for beginning birders and to observe and document what birds are visiting the beds during each season. Birding will be done by automobile and with some easy walking. Please be prepared for the current weather conditions. Please note that after heavy rains the drying beds are not open to vehicles due to flooding.

** Please ensure all valuables in your vehicle are placed out of sight PRIOR to arriving at the parking lot.

http://www.fwas.org/showthread.php?t=1533

http://www.fwas.org/forumdisplay.php?f=10

Tierra Verde Environmental Tour
with Mark Claburn GCS
Director of Superintendents
Tierra Verde Golf Club

6:00 PM Wednesday, June 13

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Arlington’s famous golf course and
learn what makes it special from one of its stewards. Carts will depart promptly at 6 and will return around 7:30, so please arrive early. We will meet on the back porch next to Ventana Grille.

Directions: Take Hwy 287 south, exit Eden Rd, go west until you see the sign for TVGC, then turn left on Golf Club Drive.

Historic McKinney Farmers Market at Adriatica 

Thursday, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m (or until sell-out)

The Adriatica market is located at 6851 Virginia Pkway, (the corner of Virginia Pkway. and Adriatic Pkway.), McKinney, TX 75071

Click here for a map

Here are some of the vendors at the market for the 2012 season:

Alice the Facepainter (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

AP Apiaries (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

Berry Best Farm  (Chestnut Square and Adriatica, seasonal blueberries)

Chef Milton's Chili Nuts (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Donna's Crafty Creations

Dream Art Glass (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

Local Family Farms (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

Lucidos Herbs, Pasta, Sauces and Canned Vegetables (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Luscombe Farms (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Purple Ranch Lavender (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Rehoboth Ranch Meats (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Stephanie's Cookies (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

St. Lucia Bread Company (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

The Tamale Company (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

Three Red Hens Farm (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Come on down and enjoy an old time market…sometimes we’ll have special events and entertainment!  While not as diverse as the old Jockey Lot held in downtown McKinney during the mid 20th century, we’ll try to re-create the feel of the old market days. Meet friends, share local news and bring a chair and sit a while! 

This event is free and open to the public. 

Please register for this and any “green” classes in Irving by visiting www.cityofirving.org/begreen, then click on “Educational Opportunities”.  For more information, call 972-742-2296. 

Fact: A bee travels an average of 1,600 round trips in order to produce one ounce of honey; up to six miles per trip. To produce two pounds of honey, bees travel a distance equal to four times around the earth. This class will give students more insight into the life and important work of the honey bee as well as information about how to become a beekeeper including costs, equipment, setup, location, time commitment and resources. 

*Part of Irving’s Urban Farming Lecture Series

Thursday, June 14
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Valley Ranch Library
401 Cimarron Trail

Speaker: Fran Witte, City of Irving

The Oak Cliff Film Festival will feature the very best of Oak Cliff’s theater venues, including the Historic Texas Theatre, Kessler Theater, the Bishop Arts "TeCo" Theater (formerly the Bluebird) and the Belmont Hotel as well as, highlight the popular restaurants and bars of the burgeoning Bishop Arts District. Portions of all ticket and badge sales will go towards the North Texas Food Bank.

Led by the founding members of the Aviation Cinemas team who took over operations at the Texas Theatre in December of 2010, the Oak Cliff Film Festival will seek to showcase “brave and independent filmmaking of all stripes” from Oak Cliff, Dallas, Denton, Austin, and Fort Worth as well as nationally and internationally.

The Festival is backed by the 501c Oak Cliff Foundation who purchased the Texas Theatre
in 2001. 

Oak Cliff Foundation is making a 5 dollar donation to North Texas Food Bank per badge sold on behalf of the Oak Cliff Film Festival.

The goal of the market is to provide a venue for local vendors to offer Arlington, Texas residents an opportunity to buy the freshest meat, produce, breads and other great foods, crafts and products available.

Please take the time to share and enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh foods and feel good about supporting your community Downtown Arlington Farmer’s Market. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us for our annual Summer Block Party, when the DMA, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Crow Collection of Asian Art all stay open until midnight. Enjoy outdoor performances, films, and a progressive tour of all three museums.

Location: Dallas Museum of Art
Presented by: Dallas Museum of Art 
6pm-midnight 

$10

214-922-1803 

View WEBSITE

Kayak down the Elm Fork with KayakPower.com: 3rd Saturday of each month

Whether you’ve got lots of river time under your belt or have never set foot in a kayak, you’re welcome here! Kayak Power will provide equipment and instruction followed by a six-mile trip down the Elm Fork to a shuttle vehicle. Contact info@kayakpower.com or 214-669-1663 for information. Reservation required.

http://www.ias.unt.edu/llela/main.htm

June 16 from 9am-12:30pm • Light Lunch Included

Learn the basics of making fruit jellies and jams, pickling with vinegar, and lacto-fermenting. And learn how to save all of those delicious veggies for the rest of the year.

Cost: $60 ($30 First Unitarian Church of Dallas Members) • PUBLIC REGISTRATION HERE • CHURCH MEMBER REGISTRATION HERE

Make brined or naturally fermented pickles, fresh-pack pickles or unfermented, directly acidified pickles, and fruit pickles using vinegar and sugar. You’ll get recipes for “Cowboy Candy” (sweet pickled jalapenos), cornichon, pickled watermelon rind and a how-to for fermented vegetable pickles along with recipes for quick pickling other vegetables. Instructor: Lisa Staffelbach from 24 Carrot Health

Learn the basics of shelf-safe canning, freezing and preserving your harvest from summer to summer. Will you make Ratatouille with your zucchini, tomatoes and eggplant? Then what? Can it! Instructor: WRLM organic farmer Rita Foust from Farmer Jones Plants and Produce

Learn to make your own shelf-safe fruit jams and jellies, using fruits and berries from Texas' many wonderful local fruit farmers. Instructor: WRLM vendor Kathy Neumuller from JJ & B LLC

Are you watering wisely or irrigating irrationally? When you hear "soak cycle", do you think of your washing machine? Are you trying to figure out how to keep that sprinkler head from spraying your fence? Then this is the class for you! Learn how and when to water your plants, how to make simple sprinkler repairs, and where to go for help. 

Cost: FREE 

Location: Environmental Education Center, 4116 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093 

SAT, June 16     10:00-11:00am
MON, July 2     7:00-8:00pm
MON, August 6     7:00-8:00pm

Registration required. Please visit https://livegreeninplano.obsres.com/Info.aspx?EventID=3 to register.

	Operate a REAL Recycling Truck
	Meet the City's Recycling Team
	Talk to Custer Service Representatives, Get Answers
	Peek Behind-the-Scenes at Environmental Waste Services
	Tour the Recycling Truck
	Tour the Household Chemical Reuse Center
	Tour the Green 'n' Clean Garage

10 - 11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 16
Environmental Education Center
4116 W. Plano Parkway at Commerce Drive

FREE!!

Prof. Fouad Jaber will speak on the *three most important aspects of water for an urban dweller*:

- Rainwater harvesting
- Treating rainwater to make it potable, and
- New Texas laws for recycling gray water

Dr. Jaber is Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Integrated Water Resources Management at the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.  His area of study is focused on best management practices to mitigate the harmful effects of urbanization on stormwater volume and water quality.  He tests the effectiveness of green infrastructure (GI) and low impact development (LID) practices such as porous pavement, bio-retention areas, green roofs, rainwater harvesting and wet detention ponds.  Dr. Jaber also conducts research in water reuse in urban settings including gray water and A/C condensate reuse.

Joint meetup with Dallas Cohousing <http://dallascohousing.org> & Dallas Sustainable Living & Organic Gardening.<http://www.meetup.com/DallasSustainability/events/66722322/>

Angela Alston, Dallas Cohousing  http://dallascohousing.org  972-669-8798 Dallas Cohousing: forming a community of like-minded folks who'd like to live cooperatively & sustainably in urban Dallas, close to a DART station

http://www.meetup.com/alternativeenergy-153/

Come learn about Delaware Creek water quality and the volunteer water monitoring program called Texas Stream Team. Watch water quality testing and data gathering at the water’s edge and learn how to keep an eye on water quality and our environment in Irving.  Registration is required.

Saturday, June 16
11 a.m.
Bird’s Fort Trail Park (meet at the pavilion)
5756 Riverside Drive

1 p.m.
Jaycee Park
2000 W. Airport Freeway (meet at the low-water crossing)

2 p.m.
Centennial Park
444 W. Second St. (meet at the low-water crossing)

3 p.m.
Towne Lake Park
800 Esters Road (meet at the Gazebo)

To register online click here.

For more information, call the Office of Environmental Stewardship at (972) 742-2296.

More than 100 diverse artists and vendors will peddle their wares at the Dallas Farmers’ Market from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on June 16 at the 3rd Annual Jumpoff Arts Fest.

Hosted by the Unified Arts Creative Group, the arts festival features local musicians, performance artists, culinary artists and visual artists. Vendors will be peppered throughout the festival as well to educate the public on environmental issues in various industries.

Admission is free.

http://greensourcedfw.org/articles/jumpoff-arts-festival-brings-environmental-education-art-dallas-farmers-market

Solar Powered Music Fest
When: Saturday, June 16, 2012
Time 2:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Panther Island Pavilion in Trinity Uptown, Fort Worth, Texas
1098 West Peach Street FW 76102
817-698-0700

 
A 100% Solar Powered Music Festival will be held at Panther Island Pavilion in Trinity Uptown in Fort Worth on Saturday, June 16.
 
The Solar Powered Music Fest will feature 10 acts over the course of the afternoon and evening. The popular English ska band The English Beat, power pop new wave band The Romantics, DFW favorite Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights and more will perform. North Texas Renewable Energy Group members will provide TWO solar trailers to help power various aspects of this event. The main sound stage will be powered by Sustainable Waves of Austin, Texas, with TWO large semi-trucks of solar panels and related solar energy equipment in what is likely the largest 100% solar-powered event ever held in Texas.
 
Free parking is located on the lawn of the Trinity River banks near the entrance of the festival. Additional parking under the Henderson Street bridge.
 
The 'Fest, Sponsored by Rahr & Sons, and the Trinity River Authority, will benefit DFW Pug Rescue. Event organizers encourage everyone to bring a donation for DFW Pug Rescue. For example: leashes, harnesses, heart worm medication, flea/tick medication, toys or a monetary donation. Visit the DFW Pug Rescue Website for a more complete list.
 
A "Pug Pass" will be available for a $35 donation that will provide access to the backstage Rahr Lounge

June 19 Juneteenth Celebration commemorates the past and embraces the future with a day of food, live local entertainment, vendor booths, children's activities and more. Juneteenth celebrates the day in Texas that slaves learned they had been freed. Festivities take place from noon-5 p.m. at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, 2922 MLK Jr. Blvd. Information: 214-670-8418.

• Via DART Rail Green Line to MLK, Jr. Station
• Via Bus Routes 11, 12, 26 or 409

Saving from a Rainy Day - Making a Rain Barrel 
Tuesday, June 19, 2012     6:30 - 8:30 PM

Sponsor:  Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Urban Solutions Center

Dr. Dotty Woodson, Extension Program Specialist - Water Resources will be teaching this class and will provide participants the opportunity to construct a 55 gallon rain barrel as well as discuss installing an efficient irrigation system.  The rain barrel* is yours to take home!

Cost:  $50.00 each barrel (covers cost of rain barrel and materials)

*Rain barrels measure 24 inches in diameter and 36 inches tall.  Please bring a vehicle large enough to haul your rain barrel(s) home.

Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center
Whitehurst Atrium
17360 Coit Road
Dallas, Texas 75252

Information and to register on-line at http://dallas.tamu.edu/ 

Repeated on August 14, October 16 in 2012

The new-born "Interfaith Dallas Environmental Action" (IDEA) group will be meeting on June 19th at 6:30 PM at the First Unitarian Church of Dallas. All are invited as we continue to discover a shared vision for our interfaith cooperation. If possible, please bring a vegetarian dish and your own dinnerware.

4015 Normandy Avenue  Dallas, TX 7520

Water Conservation Symposium Set for Thursday in Waco

 The Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club and a number of other organizations are sponsoring a Brazos Valley Water Conservation Symposium in Waco this Thursday, June 21 to highlight the ways in which the region may meet its water needs through enhanced water conservation. The symposium, subtitled “The Business Case for Water Conservation,” is aimed at water utility professionals and local decision-makers but the general public is welcome to attend. Co-sponsors of the symposium include the national Alliance for Water Efficiency, the Brazos River Authority, the City of Waco, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Texas Water Foundation.

 “Water Conservation is essential to meeting our state's future water needs,” said Jennifer Walker, Water Resources Specialist with the Sierra Club. “Our goal with this symposium is to provide utilities with the tools to plan for and implement water conservation programs in their communities. We have brought together experts in water conservation to share their experience and lessons learned with Brazos Valley area water providers so that they may have the best conservation programs possible.”

 Newly-appointed Commissioner Toby Baker of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will keynote the symposium. Featured presentations will focus on state water conservation requirements, national efforts to promote conservation, the success of the San Antonio Water System in pursuing conservation while sustaining the financial health of the utility, and the progress made on water efficiency in North Texas through networking by area water providers. The symposium will close with a panel discussion of representatives from medium-sized Texas water utilities about their experiences in implementing water conservation.

The symposium in Waco is similar to events held in the Austin and Houston-Galveston metropolitan areas last year and this spring. Those events sparked enhanced water conservation and drought response actions in those metropolitan areas and have spurred more information exchange and even joint projects among water suppliers in those areas.

The Brazos Valley symposium will be held at the Hilton Waco. Registration is from 9 to 9:30 AM, and the sessions will run from 9:30 AM to 3 PM. Lunch will be provided to attendees. Cost of the symposium is $35. Persons wishing to attend may register online through the Texas Water Foundation at www.texaswater.org. The full agenda for the symposium is available at that web address. For more information, call the Texas office of the Sierra Club in Austin at 512-477-1729.

Historic McKinney Farmers Market at Adriatica 

Thursday, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m (or until sell-out)

The Adriatica market is located at 6851 Virginia Pkway, (the corner of Virginia Pkway. and Adriatic Pkway.), McKinney, TX 75071

Click here for a map

Here are some of the vendors at the market for the 2012 season:

Alice the Facepainter (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

AP Apiaries (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

Berry Best Farm  (Chestnut Square and Adriatica, seasonal blueberries)

Chef Milton's Chili Nuts (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Donna's Crafty Creations

Dream Art Glass (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

Local Family Farms (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

Lucidos Herbs, Pasta, Sauces and Canned Vegetables (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Luscombe Farms (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Purple Ranch Lavender (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Rehoboth Ranch Meats (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Stephanie's Cookies (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

St. Lucia Bread Company (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

The Tamale Company (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

Three Red Hens Farm (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Come on down and enjoy an old time market…sometimes we’ll have special events and entertainment!  While not as diverse as the old Jockey Lot held in downtown McKinney during the mid 20th century, we’ll try to re-create the feel of the old market days. Meet friends, share local news and bring a chair and sit a while! 

Networking Night Out 

with NTCRA and USGBC North Texas Chapter!

 (North Texas Corporate Recycling Association and US Green Building Council)

Thank you to our sponsors - EWD and Balcones Resources 

Thursday, June 21

4pm - 7pm

Billy Bob's Texas - Fort Worth Stockyards

2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164 

Please RSVP by Tuesday, June 19th at noon!

Bring a new contact to enter into the door prize drawing!

We'll provide networking, new contacts, appetizers and your first drink! 

All guests are welcome to bring a door prize from your company for some additional recognition!

Parking & Entrance notes:  Park in the parking lot across the street on the north side of the building.Enter from the VIP door on the North side of the building where the registration table will be setup and your will be directed to the L bar straight ahead.

  http://www.eventbrite.com/event/3711697788/?ref=enivtefor&utm_source=eb_email&utm_media=email&utm_compaign=invitefor&utm_term=readmore&invite=MjEzMTQ5Mi9oZG91Z2xhc0BiYWxjb25lc3Jlc291cmNlcy5jb20vMA%3D%3D

http://keranews.org/post/new-focus-battle-against-pipeline

Rita Beving 

Beer & Bones (Museum of Nature & Science Public Program)

• Beer & Bones parties offer adults 18 and up a special nighttime look at the Museum of Nature & Science’s traveling exhibits, permanent collection and unique chances to see artifacts not usually available to the public. Each Beer & Bones party features special grown-up activities, a DJ to pump things up, light snacks and a cash bar to toast these very special occasions! Advance tickets for Beer & Bones are available online or by calling 214-428-5555.    Cost: Members: $8/Non-members: $12

Parking, as usual, is FREE!

Beer & Bones: Space Cadets – National Space Society of North Texas will discuss the summer solstice

• Thursday, June 21, 2012
  7-10 p.m.

The Downtown Arlington Farmer’s Market is a community-oriented market focusing on Texas provided foods, arts, crafts, services and wares. We are located at 215 Front Street Arlington, Texas 76011 and we open every Friday and Saturday from 8AM to 1PM.

The goal of the market is to provide a venue for local vendors to offer Arlington, Texas residents an opportunity to buy the freshest meat, produce, breads and other great foods, crafts and products available.

Please take the time to share and enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh foods and feel good about supporting your community Downtown Arlington Farmer’s Market. We look forward to seeing you there!

The Trinity Bird Count is an exciting new effort to count every bird species in and along our Trinity River in Dallas! Birds are among the most beautiful and intriguing visitors and residents of the forests, grasslands, river banks and neighborhoods along the Trinity River.

This year, the Trinity Commons Foundation begins an exciting new project to learn about the Trinity's birds – the Trinity Bird Count. With 636 of the 957 bird species in North America, Texas is for the birds! Come enjoy the Trinity and help investigate the birds that live along the Trinity or that visit here during their migration.

The Trinity Bird Count is underway! Here are the next opportunities to join us in the count! 

Area #3 - Levee B – Lake Cliff Park, on June 23, 2012, from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m.. Meet at Lake Cliff Park. Click here for parking location.

Birding On Your Own

Individual birders can also help us learn about the migration this spring. Individuals (or groups of friends) can bird on their own at any time and contribute their birding results to this project. Simply use eBird to record your sightings and then ‘share’ your checklist with us at join@trinitybirdcount.com ..For information on eBird, go to http://ebird.org/content/ebird .

Need More Information?

For more information, and to sign up for these trips, go to www.trinitybirdcount.com or contact us at
join@trinitybirdcount.com ..Thanks for your help! And Good Birding! 

2-Day Seminar, Saturday and Sunday June 23rd and 24th
9AM to 4PM each day.

Learn how to become sustainable and live off-grid.
Seminar will cover:

*Earthship construction combined with Monolithic domes using new materials and techniques that drastically reduce cost

*Food production of produce and protein with Aquaponics

*Thermal mass principles

*Cooling w convection draw

*Thermal mass rocket heaters

*Solar and wind power

*Water catchment

*Water recycling

*Sewage treatment

The training will be classroom time only. The hands-on training will take place during the build in September.

You’ll receive Earthship volumes I, II, and III, a $75.00 value.

Fee is $100 for 2 days. There is a discount for referrals:
First person $100, every referral $50

Register at: http://www.biotechturetraining.com/training.html
Exact location and directions will be emailed when you register.

Camping is available on site. There are also several local hotels within a 10 minute drive.

TEXAS OUTDOOR FAMILY presents...

Come out to Ray Roberts Lake State Park and take advantage of a great, family friendly camping opportunity. We'll provide all of the camping equipment and guidance, and when you provide the family, we'll have a recipe for fun.

Facilities & Driving Directions

• Ray Roberts LakeState Park
• Individual car camping sites for each family
• Restrooms with hot showers
• Overnight State Park Police Officer providing public safety and security 

Equipment

• Thanks to TPWD sponsors, the basic camping equipment needed for the weekend will be provided.  Participants will need to bring their own food, plates, sleeping bags and personal items.  Click here for a suggested packing list: TOFPackingList  

Agenda & Activities

Saturday

• Credible Campers & Campsites:
• Adults: Learn Leave no Trace principles, how to pitch your tent and use stoves safely 
• Junior Rangers:  PEAK Program “Promoting environmental awareness in kids” to leave no Trace

• Building Base Camp: Families come together, gather equipment and build base camp for the weekend.
• Caching in on State Park Trails: Trail adventure and exploration through GPS and Geo-caching
• Fire Building and Outdoor Cooking Tips: How to safely build fires and cook on open flames / grills (conditions permitting)
• Experience the natural wonders at night: Celebrating nature’s natural night noises at  State Parks

Sunday

• Coffee and chat with a Park Ranger: Q&A – Learn more about parks and conservation
• Know Before You Go ... Breaking Camp and Leaving no Trace of your stay

Additonal Site Specific Activities

• Creating Careful Kayakers: Introduction to Kayaking
• Family Fun and Fishing: Introduction to Fishing

Additional Curriculum

• State Park Junior Ranger Certification Programs – Targeted Audience: 5-12 years of age
• Environmentally-friendly program which adopts and teaches the 'Leave No Trace' philosophy and practices
• Additional programs specifically for use and enjoyment of a state park

Meals

• A shopping list/menu will be provided; you will need to bring your own food. Click here to see the suggested shopping list: TOFPre-Materials
• Instructors will teach you how to enjoy family camp cooking.

Fees

• $65 per family (up to 6 individuals) - includes all entry and camping fees.
• You will be asked to bring your family's food for the two-day event and a suggested list of items will be provided via email.

How to Register

• Call 512-389-8903 and ask to speak to one of our "Texas Outdoor Family" customer service representatives Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. They can answer any questions you might have.
• You will receive a confirmation packet with directions and more details will be sent to you via email after you are registered for a Texas Outdoor Family workshop.
• Please note that all reservations and full payment must be made at least three business days in advance of the workshops. All fees are non-refundable. 

Pre-workshop Materials

• TOFPre-Materials

Contact Email: tofsp@tpwd.state.tx.us

Steve Woodward, avid birder and owner of Wild Bird Center, will teach you how to attract hummingbirds with plants and feeders to your yards and gardens. Also learn about common Texas hummingbirds and their habits during this adult workshop at River Legacy Living Science Center.

Best suited for ages 10 and up. Space is limited, RSVP to 817.860.6752.

Event is FREE, donations accepted

Joy Kiser, author of America’s Other Audubon, to speak at Dallas Museum of Art

Audubon Dallas and the North Texas Master Naturalists present author Joy M. Kiser at the Dallas Museum of Art Saturday, June 23 at 1:00pm. Ms. Kiser’s book, America’s Other Audubon, tells the remarkable story of self-taught naturalist and illustrator, Genevieve Jones, and her life’s work, Illustrations of the Nests and Eggs of the Birds of Ohio. A sampling of Jones’s exquisitely detailed lithographs of birds’ nests will also be on display, on loan from the Museum of Nature & Science Mudge Library. The talk is free with admission to the museum.

Genevieve Jones was born in rural Ohio in 1847. Her father encouraged her interest in ornithology while she was a child. She once found a unique bird’s nest and discovered that no book existed to help her identify the bird that made it. As a young woman she viewed John James Audubon’s drawings of the “Birds of America” at the Centennial Exhibition, and decided that a companion volume, depicting the nests and eggs, was necessary. Genevieve and her friend began collecting nests and learning the art of scientific illustration. But after completing only a few drawings, she contracted typhoid fever and died at the age of thirty-two.

 The Jones family vowed to continue the work after Genevieve’s death, and eventually completed lithographs of the nests of 130 bird species known to nest in Ohio. Though the book won a bronze medal at the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, fewer than a hundred copies were printed, and even fewer sold. The beauty and quality of the illustrations themselves, as well as the interesting story behind the work, are brought to light in Joy Kiser’s book. Audubon Dallas and the North Texas Chapter of Master Naturalists are excited to present the opportunity to see Jones’ artwork and hear the compelling story as told by Ms. Kiser.

“Not since J. A. Baker’s The Peregrine has there been such a moving book about birds. The story of the gifted-but-doomed amateur, the passion of the undertaking shake us. The beauty of the plates and their accessibility, until now denied all except a few who owned the rare original book, make this a rich gift to all who find interest in the natural world.” — Annie Proulx, Pulitzer Prize–winning author

About the author:

Joy M. Kiser began her career as the librarian for the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. In 2001. she moved to the Washington, DC area to become the librarian for National Endowment for the Arts. She now works as a writer/editor for the Federal Government.

For more information, please contact: Diane Levinson, diane@papress.com, 212-995-9620 x214.

Audubon Dallas is a chapter of the National Audubon Society, with a mission to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, and teach about local flora and fauna to bring people closer to nature. Free monthly programs on bird and conservation topics are held at the Trinity River Audubon Center on the third Thursday of every month, and there are several birding field trips per month. For more information, visit www.audubondallas.org

or contact Lisa Dolliver at ldolliver@yahoo.com or 214-763-7256.

 The North Texas Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists is a corps of trained volunteers who provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas in Dallas County. Monthly meetings with speakers are open to the public, and are held on the first Wednesday of each month at the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. For more information visit www.ntmn.org or contact Pauline Schafer at publicity@ntmn.org or 469-371-3256.

In an urban environment, water runoff creates major problems not only in your landscape but in local creeks and lakes. Learn how to build your landscape to hold water and protect our water supply. 

Cost: FREE 

Class meets at the Environmental Education Center, 4116 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093 

SAT, June 23     7:00-8:00pm 

To register for this event please visit - https://livegreeninplano.obsres.com/Info.aspx?EventID=3

Hops for Habitat Charity Brewfest Benefiting Connemara 

Please Join us for  Connemara Conservancy's June Hops for Habitat charity brewfest!

Featuring delicious food imagined and created by Matt McCallister, FT 33 (opening Fall '12) Robert Lyford from Patina Green and grilled goodness from Matt Hamilton

Local Yocal
213 N. Tennessee, McKinney, TX
June 23, 2012
7:00pm - 10:00pm

TICKETS ARE LIMITED
ONLY 100 WILL BE SOLD

To purchase tickets please visit:  http://connemaraconservancy.org/h4h/2012_6/tickets.php

SKY EVENTS

Join the Noble Planetarium staff and members of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society for free monthly Star Parties. You’ll find plenty of telescopes for viewing and even more astronomy buffs to help you navigate your way through the skies. Star Parties are held once a month held in front of the Museum, on Gendy Street. The party begins at dusk, weather permitting, and lasts until approximately 10:30 p.m. Best of all, it’s FREE! Note, parking is available in the lot south of Harley Street.

Dates for 2012 star parties:

• June 23*

• July 28

• August 25

• September  22

• October 6     "Stars over Euless"

• November 17

*To be held in the Museum Lot, directly south of the Museum (corner of Harley and Montgomery)

Please note, parking surrounding the Museum is paid parking managed by the City of Fort Worth. 
More information and a fee structure can be found on the City of Fort Worth's Parking Guide.

Drip irrigation is 90% efficient, promotes healthier plants, and is usually inexpensive and easy to install. Come and learn about types of drip irrigation and the basics of how to install it at this free class. Registration of 8 people is required in order to hold the class. 

Cost: FREE 

Class meets at the Environmental Education Center, 4116 W, Plano Parkway, Plano 75093 

Please register for this class by visiting - https://livegreeninplano.obsres.com/Info.aspx?EventID=3

MON, June 25     7:00pm-8:00pm
MON, July 23     7:00pm-8:00pm
MON, August 20     7:00pm-8:00pm

ARCSA Level 200
Rainwater Harvesting Workshop

June 26-27, 2012

ARCSA's 200-level workshop is a two-day, in-depth rainwater harvesting course required for those seeking ARCSA Accredited Professional (AP) status. This course provides attendees with knowledge for rainwater harvesting design and installation for both outdoor and in-home rainwater use; sanitation for potable uses; rules and regulations, guidelines and restrictions; business management; project planning; site and installation safety; and system construction and maintenance. The course will follow the Texas A&M University "Rainwater Harvesting Planning" manual, which is included in the cost. Morning Coffee and Lunch provided. Click Here for a Tentative Agenda.

For those wishing to become ARCSA Accredited Professionals (AP), please join ARCSA<http://www.arcsa.org/assoc_presubscribe.asp> and then apply for Accreditation using this link<http://www.arcsa.org/store_product.asp?prodid=22>. The Accreditation Application and Examination fee is $150. Each subsequent year, active members wishing to retain their AP status must pay a $25 fee to document 2 hours of Continuing Education, which is available at this link<http://www.arcsa.org/store_product.asp?prodid=23>. If you have questions, please contact ARCSA at (512)617-6528 orinfo@arcsa.org<mailto:info@arcsa.org>.

Cost: $395.00

Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas
17360 Coit Road
Dallas, Texas 75252

For more information about this course, please contact:
 Dotty Woodson at d-woodson@tamu.edu 

For registration help, please contact:
Carol Meadors at c-meadors@tamu.edu or (972) 952.9621

• Click here for more information about ARCSA
• Hotel Recommendations

Pop-Up Market at the Eco-Op
5-8 pm Wednesday, June 27
Dallas Eco-Op 
1037A Shoreview Dr, Dallas
Confirmed vendors:
Worm Ranch  * Savoy Sorbet * Wackym’s Kitchen * Texas Olive Ranch  * Honeybee Guild * Calais Winery * LaGrange w/ Deep Ellum beers * Paul Quinn Farm * Make Scents (candles) * Sacred Heart Soaps  *  Noble Coyote Coffee  *  GROW North Texas  *  Recycle Revolution * Clean Air Lawn Care *  and others to be announced

ARCSA Level 300
Rainwater Harvesting Design and Construction Workshop

June 28-29, 2012

ARCSA's Design and Construction Workshops (DCW) are open to the public, or any industry professional looking to learn more about rainwater harvesting. For anyone seeking the ARCSA Certified Professional designation, this course is a requirement. The DCWs are two day courses designed to give attendees a chance to put their knowledge into practice in designing and constructing an active rainwater collection system. Participants will develop a design plan, site plan, calculate sizing and material to use, and then following through with the step-by-step construction of one or more complete systems by the end of the 2 days. The process will begin at the gutter and follow through various parts going into the storage tank and out through the pump. Screens, first flush diversions, calming inlet, floating intakes, make-up water, overflow, above and below ground tanks, backflow prevention, connections, pumps, filters and UV disinfection will be installed during this workshop. Start-up procedures, operation and maintenance will be performed and a user's manual for the client will be developed along with warning signage, precautions, and warnings. There will be a minimal amount of classroom work covering codes and regulations, developing plans, handling calculations, reviewing some of the components of the system and developing a start-up, operation and maintenance manual for the client.

Please note that the exact times and topic order may vary slightly with each specific workshop. Relevant handouts or presentations will be provided on-site. Tools, supplies and material will be provided. It is recommended that participants bring a laptop computer capable of using Excel and calculator along with work clothes. Lunch and snacks will be included. The completion of a Level 200 course is recommended as calculations, material and use of specific parts learned from this course will be put into practice in this workshop. This workshop is one of the requirements for attaining the ARCSA Certified Professional recognition. Besides this workshop individuals must also accumulate 48 hours of approved 300 level training course hours and then pass an ARCSA Certified Professional Exam in order to attain the ARCSA Certified Professional designation. Click Here for a Tentative Agenda.

Cost: $395.00

Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas
17360 Coit Road
Dallas, Texas 75252

For more information about this course, please contact:
Dotty Woodson at d-woodson@tamu.edu 

For registration help, please contact:
Carol Meadors at c-meadors@tamu.edu or (972) 952.9621

• Click here for more information about ARCSA
• Hotel Recommendations

Historic McKinney Farmers Market at Adriatica 

Thursday, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m (or until sell-out)

The Adriatica market is located at 6851 Virginia Pkway, (the corner of Virginia Pkway. and Adriatic Pkway.), McKinney, TX 75071

Click here for a map

Here are some of the vendors at the market for the 2012 season:

Alice the Facepainter (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

AP Apiaries (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

Berry Best Farm  (Chestnut Square and Adriatica, seasonal blueberries)

Chef Milton's Chili Nuts (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Donna's Crafty Creations

Dream Art Glass (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

Local Family Farms (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

Lucidos Herbs, Pasta, Sauces and Canned Vegetables (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Luscombe Farms (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Purple Ranch Lavender (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Rehoboth Ranch Meats (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Stephanie's Cookies (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

St. Lucia Bread Company (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

The Tamale Company (Adriatica and Chestnut Square)

Three Red Hens Farm (Chestnut Square and Adriatica)

Come on down and enjoy an old time market…sometimes we’ll have special events and entertainment!  While not as diverse as the old Jockey Lot held in downtown McKinney during the mid 20th century, we’ll try to re-create the feel of the old market days. Meet friends, share local news and bring a chair and sit a while! 

New Product Launch & Happy Hour 6/28, 5-8pm

Please join us as we introduce The Cabinet Concierge and our brand new eco-friendly kitchen with Vetrazzo countertops, Terra Krystal subway tile & hardware by Ferguson. Also presenting 2 new countertops by Elements by Durcon & Dorado Soapstone.

Happy hour and catering by South Paw Organic Grill will be served from 5 to 8pm at the Green Living Showroom.  Looking forward to the big night! 

Please RSVP by visiting http://www.green-living.com/glcustomerservice.aspx

Come with your favorite dish to share; bring your own utensils, plates and drinks, please.

Stephanie Hood is going to share with us and lead a discussion on safe, non-toxic housekeeping.  Bring your own recipes, ideas, etc. to share with the group.

Evening Stroll With a Naturalist: Come and enjoy an evening stroll on the Nature Center’s trails as we explore nature before nightfall.

Evening provides a unique opportunity to view animals that make the Nature Center home. Bring water and wear weather appropriate  clothing.

Pre-registration required. $10 (includes admission fee)/MEMBERS $5.

For more information or to register by phone, call 817-392-7410.

The Downtown Arlington Farmer’s Market is a community-oriented market focusing on Texas provided foods, arts, crafts, services and wares. We are located at 215 Front Street Arlington, Texas 76011 and we open every Friday and Saturday from 8AM to 1PM.

The goal of the market is to provide a venue for local vendors to offer Arlington, Texas residents an opportunity to buy the freshest meat, produce, breads and other great foods, crafts and products available.

Please take the time to share and enjoy the health benefits of eating fresh foods and feel good about supporting your community Downtown Arlington Farmer’s Market. We look forward to seeing you there!

TEXAS OUTDOOR FAMILY presents...

Join us at Eisenhower State Park in beautiful North Texas on Lake Texoma! Take advantage of a great, family friendly camping opportunity. We'll provide all of the camping equipment and guidance, and when you provide the family, we'll have a recipe for fun.

Facilities & Driving Directions

• Eisenhower State Park
• Individual car camping sites for each family
• Restrooms with hot showers
• Overnight State Park Police Officer providing public safety and security 

Equipment

• Thanks to TPWD sponsors, the basic camping equipment needed for the weekend will be provided.  Participants will need to bring their own food, plates, sleeping bags and personal items.  Click here for a suggested packing list: TOFPackingList  

Agenda & Activities

Saturday

• Credible Campers & Campsites:
• Adults: Learn Leave no Trace principles, how to pitch your tent and use stoves safely 
• Junior Rangers:  PEAK Program “Promoting environmental awareness in kids” to leave no Trace

• Building Base Camp: Families come together, gather equipment and build base camp for the weekend.
• Caching in on State Park Trails: Trail adventure and exploration through GPS and Geo-caching
• Fire Building and Outdoor Cooking Tips: How to safely build fires and cook on open flames / grills (conditions permitting)
• Experience the natural wonders at night: Celebrating nature’s natural night noises at  State Parks

Sunday

• Coffee and chat with a Park Ranger: Q&A – Learn more about parks and conservation
• Know Before You Go ... Breaking Camp and Leaving no Trace of your stay 

Additonal Site Specific Activities

• Introduction to Kayaking: Learn paddling basics and try them out on the water!
• Introduction to fishing: Try to catch a fish or two in one of Texas' best fishing lakes! 

Additional Curriculum

• State Park Junior Ranger Certification Programs – Targeted Audience: 5-12 years of age
• Environmentally-friendly program which adopts and teaches the 'Leave No Trace' philosophy and practices
• Additional programs specifically for use and enjoyment of a state park

Meals

• A shopping list/menu will be provided; you will need to bring your own food. Click here to see the suggested shopping list: TOFPre-Materials
• Instructors will teach you how to enjoy family camp cooking.

Fees

• $65 per family (up to 6 individuals) - includes all entry and camping fees.
• You will be asked to bring your family's food for the two-day event and a suggested list of items will be provided via email.

How to Register

• Call 512-389-8903 and ask to speak to one of our "Texas Outdoor Family" customer service representatives Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. They can answer any questions you might have.
• You will receive a confirmation packet with directions and more details will be sent to you via email after you are registered for a Texas Outdoor Family workshop.
• Please note that all reservations and full payment must be made at least three business days in advance of the workshops. All fees are non-refundable.

Pre-workshop Materials

• TOFPre-Materials 

 Contact Email: tofsp@tpwd.state.tx.us

 Family Fun on the Square explores the treasures you can find and the fun you can have in historic Downtown Garland. Bring the whole family for a day of shopping, dining, music, games and more! C B Luce & The Garland Opry will be performing county rock music on the Downtown Square, while the kids enjoy bounce houses, games, face painting and prizes. Several antique and furniture shops are within walking distance, as are a variety of great restaurants for lunch.

There will be a free showing of "Some Like It Hot," starring Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis, at 10:00 a.m. at the Plaza Theatre. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and refreshments will be sold. Everything is free and includes activities for all ages.

The City of Garland hosts the event from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the downtown square, located at 150 Sixth Street between Main and State streets. Information: 972-205-2749 or visitgarlandtx.com.

Get there via DART Rail Blue Line to Downtown Garland Station

Off the Beaten Path: Summer is not typically the most desired time to go hiking in North Central Texas. However, if you prepare in advance with cooler clothes, water and a shaded trail, you can enjoy an excursion.

We have a path where you will be completely covered with shade and it is a trail that gets overlooked all the time. Join us and discover this hidden treasure that is off the beaten path.

$5 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS FREE.