Local writer and naturalist Michael Smith will discuss his newest book: Mindfulness in Texas Nature. (He’ll have copies on hand for purchase as well).

In addition to writing books focused on the natural world (this is his fourth), Michael writes for Our Lives in Nature and for Green Source DFW.

NOTE: Due to construction on University Drive, guests will not be able to access the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens' main entrance. Please enter and exit from the Trail Drive entrance on the north side of the Garden, which can be accessed from Montgomery Street or University Drive. 

Pre-Meeting Refreshments!

Bring a snack or dish to share and nonalcoholic beverage.

Arrive early at 6:35-6:45 p.m. to partake of food.

Join Wild Ones DFW: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes, and co-host Wild Ones South Central Texas for a special online presentation featuring author Monika Maeckle, who will introduce her new book, Plants with Purpose: Twenty-five Ecosystem Multitaskers, published by Texas A&M Press.

In this engaging session, Maeckle explores a fresh approach to plant selection by asking practical and ecological questions of each featured species:

Can you eat it or make tea from it? Does it serve wildlife or offer health benefits? Is it low maintenance or have a compelling cultural story? Does it provide a unique service to your landscape?

Every plant included in the book had to answer "yes" to at least three of these criteria—not including beauty. As Maeckle argues, in a time of increasing ecological urgency, aesthetic appeal alone is no longer enough. Our landscapes deserve—and ecosystems require—plants that work harder.

Whether you're a gardener, naturalist, or simply plant-curious, this presentation will inspire you to think differently about what grows in your yard and why.

The Friends of Oak Cliff Parks are hosting their summer meeting. Learn more about Halperin Park (formerly known as the Southern Gateway Project). 

Halperin Park is a planned five-acre deck park located over I-35E in Oak Cliff. This "park with a purpose" will provide much needed green space while also catalyzing economic development, jobs and community reconnection. An economic impact of over $1 billion is estimated in just the first 5 years after the park opens.

Speaker: Anne Hagen, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation. 

Anne Hagen has been an Oak Cliff resident for the past 14 years and joined Southern Gateway from the office of Congressman Marc Veasey, where she had served as district director since 2013. Anne is also leading the Lake Cliff Park Visioning Project.

Parking is available in the parking lot just east of the Rec Center. The program will be held in the meeting room on west end of the Rec Center.

1 Hour AT for Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists.

All DFW residents are welcome to bring their electronics for recycling. Electronic recycling fees for televisions, CRT monitors, printers, copiers and fax machines will be waived. See UE website link below for a list of accepted items.

Additionally, our paper shredding division Mobile Shred It a NAID AAA certified company will be shredding paper for free. All paper is shredded on-site at the event. We do ask to please remove large binder clips, plastic, binders, coil binding and magnets. Once shredded, all paper is recycled, adhering to our zero-landfill initiative for sustainability.

Please follow these rules when you bring your items (Limit of four banker boxes per customer):

    •    Stay in your vehicle.
    •    1 car at a time will be unloaded, so please wait in line patiently.

Celebrate National Park & Recreation Month with the City of Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department. 

High School Solar Car Teams are preparing for the 32nd Solar Car Challenge at the world famous rack track.

Shop at the Market, grab a drink and a snack, and bring your favorite environmental book to swap.