Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Dallas -Fort Worth Metroplex Edition

 972.992.8815

First Municipal Solar Farm in Texas

The city of Farmers Branch, with an agreement with BQ Energy to design, build and operate a 23-acre solar farm on land owned by the city will soon be the first in Texas to operate entirely on solar energy produced onsite. Construction is scheduled to be completed in fall 2024 on the former landfill.

The city council considered the feasibility of rooftop solar and other means to mitigate the city's carbon footprint versus the use of this brownfield site, which had the bonus of solving the problems associated with a degraded landfill closed since the 1980s.

Officials believe the new solar farm will bring tax savings for residents by generating 13.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year for the city, which has a population of around 50,000. Sustainability Manager Alexander Pharmakis says that's enough electricity to power all the city's municipal buildings, street lights and other assets, plus 1,100 homes.

For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/FarmersBranchSolar.

Natural Awakenings Dallas -Fort Worth Metroplex Edition
Natural Awakenings Dallas-Fort Worth June 2022
Read the Natural Awakenings Dallas-Fort Worth June 2022 Issue. Read More »
Green, Healthy and Sustainable In McKinney
McKinney is not only among the top 10 fastest-growing cities in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex region, but also in the United States. Read More »
Eco Tripping Around North TX
People seeking immersive eco-adventures don’t necessarily need to travel around the globe for a unique experience. Plenty of chances for ecological getaways can be found locally Read More »
Urban Forestry in Fort Worth
The Fort Worth City Council is partnering with the Texas Trees Foundation to create the first Fort Worth Urban Forestry Master Plan. Fort Worth is the oldest and longest-running Tree city USA Read More »
North Texas Vineyards and Wineries Roundup
North Texas Wine Country is quickly becoming one of the hottest new wine destinations. More wineries and vineyards are being founded in North Texas every year Read More »
Celebrate Juneteenth
The third annual North Texas Juneteenth Festival from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., June 18, at the Fair Park Tower, includes the Juneteenth Parade, iconic musical performances and Auto Fest Read More »
Find a Thrill on Blueberry Hill
The 32nd annual Texas Blueberry Festival on June 10 and 11 in Nacogdoches features experienced and novice cooks with their best recipes competing in blueberry pie and blueberry cupcake Read More »
Keep an Eye on Men's Health Issues
Men's Health Week is June 15 through 21. This is a time to bring awareness to health issues that affect men disproportionately, focus on getting men to become aware of problems Read More »
Earth-Kind Gardens on Display
A Walk in the Park, from 9 a.m. to noon, June 4, at the gardens at Myer Parke & Event Center, presents an opportunity to stroll each of the Earth-Kind Gardens Read More »
Beauty Contest for Veggies
The annual Denton County Master Gardeners Gardening Fest will take place from 9 a.m. to noon, June 18, at Denton County Historical Park. Read More »
First Municipal Solar Farm in Texas
The city of Farmers Branch, with an agreement with BQ Energy to design, build and operate a 23-acre solar farm on land owned by the city will soon be the first in Texas Read More »
A Dose of Nature
As we embark upon summer in earnest, there's giddiness in the air. Despite North Texas seeing alternating weeks of temperatures in the high 90s and the low 60s Read More »
Free the Ocean logo
Ban Plastics in National Parks
Nonprofit Free the Ocean is circulating a petition to Get Single-Use Plastic Out of U.S. National Parks. Read More »
Solar panels
California Canals Gain Solar Panels
To both conserve water and generate clean energy, solar arrays are being installed over canals in the Turlock Irrigation District to evaluate their impact on water quality and evaporation. Read More »
Classic Manhattan
A sustainable twist on the classic cocktail recipe. Read More »
Mother bird feeding baby bird in nest
Climate Change Causing Birds to Lay Eggs Earlier
About a third of the bird species nesting in Chicago are laying their eggs a month earlier than they did 100 years ago, and researchers think the culprit in this shift is climate change. Read More »
The word No! spelled out in liquid on bar in front of glass of alcohol
Cut Back on Booze to Protect the Brain
Even drinking as little as a few beers or glasses of wine per week will reduce brain volume, according to a new study. Read More »
Group of volunteers cleaning up trash from a park
Eco-Volunteering: Hands-on Ways to Help Our Planet this Summer
Helping nature while enjoying the great outdoors is a classic win-win opportunity. Here are a few ideas to join the fun while contributing sweat equity. Read More »
Frank Bruni
Frank Bruni on Living with Afflictions
New York Times writer Frank Bruni shares how he and others encountered and dealt with medical challenges in his new book, The Beauty of Dusk: On Vision Lost and Found. Read More »
Person sitting on couch with hands folded and elbows on knees in contemplative state
Healing Trauma: Emerging Therapies Offer Fresh Hope
Trauma is widespread and deeply embedded, not only in our behaviors but in our bodies. Here are effective and ever-evolving approaches to heal what’s been broken. Read More »
Two kids on floor putting cherries in a wicker bowl
How to Raise Empathetic Kids: Simple Ways Parents Can Cultivate Compassion
While we are all born with a certain amount of empathy, cultivating it is a skill that can be strengthened with practice, and it is critical that the learning process start early. Read More »
Person being pulled by running dog on leash in field
Misbehaving Dog Walks: Ways Humans Get It Wrong
Humans are just as capable of bad behavior during walks as dogs are. Here are the reasons why and ways we can correct to ensure a safe, fun and rewarding walk for both dog and human. Read More »
Sign at entrance to Zion National Park
National Parks Enacting New Regulations
The National Park Service (NPS) has cracked down on some recreational activities to better manage the human impact on natural environments. Read More »
Bartender behind bar pouring sustainable wine into wine glasses
Planet-Friendly Pours: The Rise of Sustainable Wine and Spirits
Sustainable and socially responsible wines and spirits are becoming a major force in the market, though not all eco-friendly alcoholic beverages are as conscious as they claim. Read More »
Person jumping up in the air with weights in each hand
Pump Iron to Boost Sleep
For those that are sleep-deprived, working out with resistance exercises to strengthen muscles may produce longer and deeper shuteye than aerobics, new research suggests. Read More »
Container of beet root powder next to beet
Run Farther with Beetroot and Citrulline
Nitrate-rich beetroot extract and citrulline have been shown to reduce cortisol levels and increase the distance ran in a standard 12-minute Cooper Test. Read More »
Melting glacier in the South Pole
South Pole Registers Historic Temperature
Antarctica registered record temperatures for March of 40.82° F at a time of the year when readings are usually already sub-zero. Read More »
Electric bicycle with bag in back and dog in carrier on front
The Exercise Power of E-Bikes: Get a Workout on an Easier Ride
Discover the health, environmental and other benefits of riding pedal-assist electric bicycles. Read More »
Father putting hand on son's shoulder, who has arms crossed and is looking in other direction
The Gift of an Imperfect Father
We inherit a lot from our wounded fathers, including an energetic opportunity to change the familial emotional code, and it can be beautiful. Read More »
Man walking along the beach at sunset
The Healing of the Modern Man: Men Redefine Their Emotional Power
More men are taking responsibility for their well-being and learning how to embody emotional freedom, stepping up to the plate as strong, sensitive leaders. Read More »
Person sitting in meditative pose on yoga mat in front of windows
Trauma Treatment Options
Dozens of approaches are available for treating trauma, and experienced therapists often mix and match cognitive and experiential modalities to meet a patient’s needs. Read More »
Neem pouring out of bowl
Try Neem and Walking to Ward Off COVID-19 Symptoms
Studies suggest that neem, a plant used for centuries in India to treat malaria, intestinal ulcers and skin diseases, may offer protection against COVID-19 and future variants. Read More »
Glamping tent with bed, chairs, vanity and balcony overlooking trees
Unplugged Adventures: Eco-Tripping for a Digital Detox
For those that want to truly unplug, unique off-grid, eco-options beckon. Read More »
Dandelion weed growing up through rocks
Weeds Attract Pollinators to Increase Harvests
It turns out that the presence of weeds benefits trees and pollinators. Read More »
Cocktail in glass next to bottle of Gray Whale Gin, lemons and sliced lime on cutting board
Whale Hello There
This refreshing cocktail combines citrus flavors with sustainable gin. Read More »
Local News, In-Print, Community June 2022 June 2022 Issue Municipal Solar Farm Farmers Branch BQ Energy acre solar farm city council rooftop solar carbon footprint Alexander Pharmakis

April 2024

Read it Now

Upcoming Events Near You
Body Mind Spirit Fest - Center Of Unity

 

Healthy Living Healthy Planet Radio

 

EarthX 2024 Congress of Conferences

 

DART GoLink