Environment

As part of Texas Public Radio's on-going focus on the environment, we are proud to bring the public and our members special events, stories and initiatives to help improve and draw attention to the city's health and environment.

Weather Is 'Not Political,' Says Texas Climatologist

By Rhonda Fanning • Jun 2, 2015

From Texas Standard:

It seems that every major weather event is followed by a conversation about climate change, and the Memorial Day floods in Texas are no different. These historic storms have left more than 20 dead in Texas and Oklahoma, and Governor Abbott has declared around 70 counties as disaster zones.

Of course the climate change conversation is called out as insensitive by some, like Texas Senator Ted Cruz who thinks it’s wrong to “politicize a natural disaster." For others, it’s a tragic necessity.

Texas Lake Slowly Recovers From Drought

By editor • May 27, 2015

It continues to rain today in South Central Texas, which was hit hard by devastating flooding this week. The heavy rains have brought an end to the extreme drought there, which began in 2010.

In September 2013, John Williams, who owns Thunderbird Lodge and Resort on Lake Buchanan in Central Texas, spoke with Here & Now. The lake had shrunk to about one-third capacity.

City's Newest Park At the Mission Reach Designed For Environmental Learning

By Eileen Pace • May 18, 2015

There’s lots of buzz about plans for a new park overlooking the Mission Reach. The $10 million plan for Confluence Park, to be situated at the confluence of the San Antonio River and San Pedro Creek, will focus on teaching responsible water use and landscaping practices.

Stuart Allen is the project manager.

“Well, it’s a 3-1/2 acre outdoor learning classroom. The intent of the project is to create a destination on the Riverwalk where students and river visitors alike can learn about native plant species and witness a large-scale water catchment system,” Allen said.

Texas State Aquarium Files Suit Against Chemical Supplier

By Rhonda Fanning • May 15, 2015

From Texas Standard:

It's been exactly one month and a day since a ghastly event down in Corpus Christi.

On that day, workers at the Texas State Aquarium applied a white powder to the tanks of two huge exhibits: the Islands of Steel and the flower garden. They were trying to treat an infestation of a potentially deadly flatworm that attaches itself to fish.

Volunteers Sought To Help Clean Fiesta Trash On San Antonio River

By Eileen Pace • Apr 28, 2015

The San Antonio River Authority said it could take weeks to clean up Fiesta trash that made its way into the river after the festival was over.

Heavy downpours during and after the two-week party has left an unusually large amount of garbage along a stretch of the river bank.

But SARA’s Steven Schauer said the trash in the river isn’t just related to Fiesta.