Happy Earth Day!
How can we continue forward movement in protecting Texas’ natural resources?
This week I spent too much time reading about book banning, on the heels of the Texas House passing legislation that is effectively a ban on books in public schools, to be sent to the Senate for voting. I was mentally exhausted by the end of the week. But one thing I learned was how organized and effective just a few people can be when no one else is watching.
What can we learn from this as Texas nature enthusiasts? How can we be proactive in getting our own legislation passed to protect more Texas lands for the public, save natural resources from development, and create wildlife corridors throughout the state? Between this and watching the Fairfield Lake State Park situation unfold, we have a lot to learn.
I know that we need more voices discussing these topics. Talking to friends and family is one way to get involved but it also means we have to stay on top of developments locally in our city and county boards, because things like road expansions are usually planned a decade or more before actual on the ground work begins. And many citizens don’t even know what is happening until the bulldozers arrive to raze the land.
I can’t be everywhere at once. And neither can you. Which is why we all need to be keeping tabs on what’s going on and sharing the information between us. And it’s a lot! I’m not even sure where I’m going with all of this, other than we aren’t doing enough. And it’s all hard and so much easier to just live our lives and accept it.
So on this Earth Day, I challenge you to figure out what’s important to you about Texas natural resources near where you live and get involved. Start volunteering for a local community organization that cleans up trash along creeks, or find a local bay or beach cleanup. Is there a parks board you can join? Maybe you are hardcore enough to run for local public office? Do it! It’s the civic engagement of being involved that leads you to learning who is making decisions in your community.
And above all else, I hope you spend some time outside today! Soak in a bit of sun and notice the plants and wildlife around you!
Happy Earth Day!
Texas nature is worth protecting
I went out looking for some plants that blend into the leaf litter. I went around the same area a few times. Enjoyed this fresh, cool day in the woods.