July 2010 

This calendar covers an extended period of time. Changes happen. If we are informed of changes, they will be posted here and designated Changed. But we don't always get notified so please call number listed before driving to an event. We also add events as we hear of them. Look for NEW.

Thu, July 1 - V. Barbara Bush, past president of the Black Vegetarian Society of Texas and author, instructor of Veg 101, will discuss the environmental benefits of vegetarianism and easy ways to cook vegetarian, eat vegetarian, and eventually become as vegetarian as you want to be. DFW Sustainable Planet broadcast at www.enlumnia.com from 12 noon until 1 pm.  Click the arrow to hear all things green in Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas.

Sat, Jul 3 - Plano's Independence Day Parade is produced by the Plano Early Lions Club. Bring lawn chairs to celebrate the Fourth starting at 9 am at Park Blvd. and Independence Pkwy. Contact the Plano Early Lions Club at 972-985-8260.

Sat, Jul 3 - Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas at 8 am. Bring your binoculars and field guides if you have them, and learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls. You can expect about 30+ species. The walk is planned to take about three hours. All ages are welcome. We recommend wearing long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellant. Please RSVP: RSVP@connemaraconse rvancy.org . Alma and Bethany Drives in Allen. Directions: From Highway 75: Exit Bethany Drive and go west approximately 1 mile. Turn left (south) onto Alma Drive. Take the next left though the open gate. (If you reach Hedgcoxe and Tom Thumb, you have gone too far.) Park to the left of the entrance. 

Sat, Jul 3 - Addison’s Fourth of July from 5 pm to midnight is free. It includes family fun activities, spectacular fireworks, food and beverages, free movie, music. Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle Drive, Addison. 

Sat, Jul 3 - Fort Worth Vegetarian Society monthly dinner at Spiral Diner, 6:30 pm. 1314 W Magnolia at 6th, Fort Worth. No reservation necessary; look for FWVS sign. Event is free except for cost of your food and beverage.

Sat, Jul 3 - SPCA of Texas’ Pet Grief recovery program for those grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal. Meet at 1 pm at the conference room at SPCA of Texas, 2400 Lone Star Drive, Dallas. Free.

Sun, July 4 - New Buffet at Al Wadi - All-you-can-eat Lebanese buffet featuring all their tasty veg'n middle-eastern such as hummus, tabouleh, baba, falafel, veggies, salad, and more at Al Wadi, noon until 1:30, at 2712 Brown Trail, 817 282-2156, Bedford 76021. T Unfortunately it also includes meat but we will ignore that at our veg table. It is $12. This is a small restaurant so if you want to sit with our group. please RSVP to Terry at 817 545-0140 or 972-251-1532 or here.. Feel free to sit with your friends and family but I would then suggest a reservation with Al Wadi at 817 282-2156. Exit Hwy 121 going north. Al Wadi will be on your right (east) before your reach Harwood.

CANCEL Sun, Jul 4 - There will no longer be a vegan buffet at Papaya Garden in Euless this Sunday or in the future. Terry Jensen 817 545-0140 or 972 251-1532. 

Sun, Jul 4 - Plano's All-American Fourth Fireworks event! Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to Oak Point Park & Nature Preserve, 2601 Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, 9:30 pm. 972-941-7250.

Sun, Jul 4 - Bedford's 4thFEST Independence Day Celebration is a free day of family fun that starts at 12 noon and ends at 11 pm. It includes a free concert, InflataFUN Zone, a variety of island adventure family fun festival-style culinary delights and of course, a fireworks extravaganza when the sun goes down. Bedford Boys Ranch Park at 2801 Forest Ridge Rd, Bedford. There is no parking except handicapped at the Boys Ranch. Parking and shuttle service for $4 (Free for children 3 and under) will be offered at Pennington Field, 1501 Central Drive. The last shuttle TO the Boys Ranch Park will leave Pennington field at 9:30PM. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, coolers and non-alcoholic beverages. No glass containers!

Mon, Jul 5 - Fort Worth Bicycling Association meeting at 7 pm at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX, Building #2, room 2-100. Park in lot A and enter the lower level. Look for the yellow FWBA signs. Free

Tue, Jul 6 - The Collin County Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) meets at 7 pm at the Heard Museum. The Heard Museum is located north of Hwy 138 at One Nature Place, McKinney. Free

Tue, Jul 6 - Making a Rain Barrel. Plano residents only: 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--limited to one barrel per household. $20.00 per person (includes rain barrel and materials). Must RSVP with that information at 972 231-5362. 6:30-8:30 pm. $30.

Tue, Jul 6 - Pegasus Flyer's inline skating: Tuesday night City Skate. Meet at Albertson's Parking Lot, 3524 McKinney Av at Lemmon, Dallas 75204 at 7:45 pm. Skate at 8 pm sharp. This is a rain or shine event--if the weather is inclement,  there is no skating but group meets to visit, although most nights in Dallas are skateable. Skaters should be able to stop and be able to traverse various road conditions (curbs, potholes, etc). info@pegasusflyers.org. This group skates other days/nights of the week at other locations. Check with them for other dates.

Thu, Jul 8 - IMPORTANT PUBLIC MEETING: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is holding a series of free meetings to obtain public input on EPA's upcoming research study to investigate the potential adverse impact that hydraulic fracturing may have on water quality and public health. Hilton Hotel, 815 Main St, Fort Worth. 6-10 pm; pre-registration begins at 5 pm. Your attendance matters--this is one of four EPA meet6ings in the nation on fracing.  If you wish to speak, please register in advance here: http://hfmeeting.cadmusweb.com/RegistrationForm.aspx 

Thu, Jul 8 - Gary Hogan, Vice-President of North Central Texas Communities Alliance, will discuss gas drilling in the Barnett Shale, why you should be concerned, and how the problems with drilling do not stop at the Tarrant County line. It is very important for residents of Dallas,  its suburbs, and other residents of North Texas to listen to this program. This could happen to you, but not if you are forewarned and prepared. DFW Sustainable Planet broadcast at www.enlumnia.com from 12 noon until 1 pm.  Click the arrow to hear all things green in Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas. 

Thu, Jul 8 - One Drip at a Time: Drip Irrigation, $10, 6:30-830 pm. Dr. Dotty Woodson, Extension Program Specialist - Water Resources will be teaching this class and will teach how efficient irrigation is essential to sustainable landscapes. Drip irrigation is the most efficient irrigation method for landscape irrigation. Learn how to install a drip system or convert an existing system to drip. $10. Must RSVP to Tamaron Hunt at 972.952.9671 or t-hunt@tamu.edu. Pavillion classroom, AgriLife Research and Extension Urban Solutions Center, 17360 Coit Rd, Dallas, 75252 

Fri, Jul 9 - North Texas Environment Meetup Group discusses Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, Cleanup and Conservation--what can we do? Snappy Salads 5915 Forest Ln Dallas 75230 6:30 pm, eat, 7 pm, meeting discusssion starts.

Sat, Jul 10 - Shop Like a Vegetarian with V Barbara Bush from the Black Vegetarian Society of Texas as your guide. Meet at 11:30 am at Whole Foods Market, 2330 Royal Ln, Dallas. Learn to recognize vegetarian foods like tofu, tempeh, seitan, and quinoa plus shop for the best fruits and veggies. Must RSVP to donald.moy@sbcglobal.net

Sat, Jul 10 - Animal Connection of Texas meeting. 10 am. Center for Community Cooperation, 2900 Live Oak Street, Dallas. 214 373-7867. Free.

Sat, Jul 10 - White Rock Lake Cleanup. Walk and talk while helping to pick up trash and recyclables at White Rock Lake Park. Meet from 8 am - 9  am at the Love of the Lake office, 1152 N Buckner Blvd, #123, Dallas, on the Northeast corner of Garland Rd. and Buckner Blvd for a free continental breakfast that includes free juice, coffee, other goodies. Gloves, trash bags, etc. provided. There are always birds and wildflowers to enjoy. Clean-up finished by 11 am.

Sat, Jul 10 - White Rock Market, food and vendors, often music. 8 am to 1 pm. Located next to the Green Spot Market and Fuels at 702 N. Buckner Blvd at Northcliff Dr, Dallas. Free

Sat, Jul 10 - Guided Trinity River Expedition via canoe.  In addition to  seeing the beauty (and sometimes the lack of same) of the river, veteran canoe guide Charles Allen will point out American Indian sites and other historical artifacts as you paddle.  From 8:30 am until mid-afternoon. $45 payable when reservation made. Trips are rain or shine. Other details by calling 214-941-1757. Although trips may change because of local boating conditions, scheduled trip is for West Fork, Highway 360 to Roy Orr bridge, 4+ miles, Cross Timbers, small rapids, Woodbine sandstone bluffs, Dorothy Spur trestle, one portage, steep take-out.

Tue, Jul 13 - Pegasus Flyer's inline skating: Tuesday night City Skate. Meet at Albertson's Parking Lot, 3524 McKinney Av at Lemmon, Dallas 75204 at 7:45 pm. Skate at 8 pm sharp. This is a rain or shine event--if the weather is inclement,  there is no skating but group meets to visit, although most nights in Dallas are skateable. Skaters should be able to stop and be able to traverse various road conditions (curbs, potholes, etc). info@pegasusflyers.org. This group skates other days/nights of the week at other locations. Check with them for other dates.

Updated Thu, Jul 15 - Susan Oakey, past president of Animal Connection of Texas and long-time friend of animals, will discuss the issues affecting domestic animals in and around the metroplex.  DFW Sustainable Planet,  broadcast at www.enlumnia.com from 12 noon until 1 pm.  Click the arrow to hear all things green in Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas. 

Thu, Jul 15 - Dallas Downriver Club monthly meeting at 7 pm, 3701 N. Buckner Blvd. (just north of IH 30 and south of John West Road) Dallas, 75228 

Sat, Jul 17 - Cedar Ridge Preserve Habitat Restoration & Trail Maintenance, rain or shine, 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway in the southwest part of Dallas. Volunteers remove non-native plants, restore trails, and work in the butterfly garden. Repairing trails reduces erosion trouble spots and removing non-native plants saves water and nutrients for plants native to the area. Snacks, water, pruning shears, shovels, and work gloves provided. All you need to bring is sun screen and bug repellent. Questions? Contact info CRP@yahoo.com.

Sat, Jul 17 - Texas AgriLife educational program in the Pavillion classroom,  AgriLife Research and Extension Urban Solutions Center, 17360 Coit Rd, Dallas, 75252 from 9:00 - 10:30 am. These programs are open to the general public but are sometimes canceled. For more information, contact Fouad Jaber at 972-952-9672 or f-Jaber@tamu.edu. This month's program: Irrigating Your Garden by Dr. Fouad Jaber, Assitant professor and Extension Specialist.

Sat, Jul 17 - Growing Up WILD Workshop — Learn how to build on young children's sense of wonder about nature and invite them to explore wildlife and the world around them. During the three-hour training workshop participants will sample activities and receive a curriculum and activity guide. Activities are designed for 3-7 year olds and are correlated to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Standards and the Head Start Domains. Teachers, informal educators and early childhood caregivers may take the training. Held at Cabela's, 12901 Cabela Dr. 9 a.m.-noon; preregistration required, deadline June 19, 2010. To register, email jan.hodson@tpwd.state.tx.us

Sun, Jul 18 - All-vegan, all-you-can-eat buffet from 12 noon until 2 pm.  New Start Veg, (972 243-0507) 2330 Royal Lane, ste 900, Dallas 75229. Just west of I-35 on the south side of Royal. Call for info:  Host James Bisby 469-371-1938

Sun, Jul 18 -  Dallas Trekkers group walks at White Rock Lake at 8 m. Meet at Doctors Hospital, 9330 Poppy Drive, Dallas.  972-489-3072 for more information. Small charge.

Tues, Jul 20 - North Texas River Runners Club meet from 7 - 9 pm at the Lake Arlington Meeting Room, Richard Simpson Park, 6300 West Arkansas Lane, Arlington.

Tue, Jul 20 - Pegasus Flyer's inline skating: Tuesday night City Skate. Meet at Albertson's Parking Lot, 3524 McKinney Av at Lemmon, Dallas 75204 at 7:45 pm. Skate at 8 pm sharp. This is a rain or shine event--if the weather is inclement,  there is no skating but group meets to visit, although most nights in Dallas are skateable. Skaters should be able to stop and be able to traverse various road conditions (curbs, potholes, etc). info@pegasusflyers.org. This group skates other days/nights of the week at other locations. Check with them for other dates.

Thu, Jul 22 - CT Loyd of Texas Home Energy Rating Organization discusses the timely subject of how to lower your utility bills and explains a home energy audit as well as the importance of starting with an accurate audit.. DFW Sustainable Planet broadcast at www.enlumnia.com from 12 noon until 1 pm.  Click the arrow to hear all things green in Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas.

Sat, July 24 -  White Rock Market, food only. 8 am to 1 pm. Located next to the Green Spot Market and Fuels at 702 N. Buckner Blvd at Northcliff Dr, Dallas. Free 

Sun, Jul 25- Dallas Organic Gardening Club Monthly Meeting. Northaven Gardens, (214) 363-5316, 7700 Northaven Rd, Dallas. 2:30 pm. Free. 

Sun, Jul 25 - Black Vegetarian Society of Texas monthly luncheon at Spiral Diner, 6th and Magnolia, Fort Worth (pay for your own food and beverage) at 12:30 pm followed by optional live theater ($10) at Jubilee Theater downtown Fort Worth at 3 pm. Carpool to theater from Spiral.

Tue, Jul 27 - Tarrant County Interfaith Environmental Alliance meets at 7 pm at Unity Church of Fort Worth, 5051 Trail Lake Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76133 

Tue, Jul 27 - Tue, Jun 29 - North Texas Green Council free movie night. Doors open at 6 pm; movie begins at 6:30. Dallas Center for Architecture, 1909 Woodall Rodgers Frwy, Dallas, 75201, 214 742-3242. Featured movie: The Greening of Southie.

Tue, Jul 27 - Pegasus Flyer's inline skating: Tuesday night City Skate. Meet at Albertson's Parking Lot, 3524 McKinney Av at Lemmon, Dallas 75204 at 7:45 pm. Skate at 8 pm sharp. This is a rain or shine event--if the weather is inclement,  there is no skating but group meets to visit, although most nights in Dallas are skateable. Skaters should be able to stop and be able to traverse various road conditions (curbs, potholes, etc). info@pegasusflyers.org. This group skates other days/nights of the week at other locations. Check with them for other dates.

Thu, Jul 29 - Arlington Organic Gardening Club Monthly Meeting. Bob Duncan Community Center Garden Room, 2800 S. Center St. in Arlington. 7 pm. Free.

Thu, Jul 29 - Urban Wildlife. At times we think we humans have crowded all the wildlife out of the metroplex. Then you find a baby bird or a raccoon takes up residence in your attic. Bonnie Bradshaw, a Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator, licensed wildlife control operator and one of the founders of the DFW Wildlife Coalitiondiscusses urban wildlife. DFW Sustainable Planet broadcast at www.enlumnia.com from 12 noon until 1 pm.  Click the arrow to hear all things green in Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas. 

Sun, Aug 1 - Bird Walk with Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas. 8 am. We recommend wearing long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellant. All ages welcome. Although free of charge, please register by phone to 214-351-0990. Meet at the parking lot off Alma and Bethany Drives, Allen. No pets or bikes.