Prairie Fest brought people to the prairie

By Julie Thibodeaux

Photos by Phillip Shinoda and Julie Thibodeaux

The Friends of Tandy Hills Natural Area threw a real downhome green shindig at Prairie Fest last weekend, April 27.

While about 30 of the most environmentally friendly vendors in North Texas encircled a grassy open space, local musicians jammed, artists splashed color on canvas and hikers of all ages tramped through the hills.

Here’s a snapshot of what we saw:

 


Organizers Don and Debora Young, who founded Prairie Fest in 2006 as a small neighborhood event, ensured the good vibes were flowing.

Activist Anne Petersen educated event-goers about the evils of Monsanto with a smile. She recruited attendees for the March Against Monsanto May 25 in Dallas and Fort Worth, joining protests nationwide.

 

The Fort Worth Sierra Club gave the event a thumbs up.

  




The Arlington Conservation Council signed up volunteers to help them maintain the O.S. Gray Natural Area and the Molly Hollar Wildscape in Arlington.

 




Native American Seed, based in Junction, sold seeds that homeowners can use to start their own prairies.

 

 

Nature Rocks North Texas explained how they work with local DFW groups to connect kids to the natural world. 

Greenling, an online-based local and organic groceries home delivery service, showed off its fare.



The Fort Worth Astronomical Society provided a peek at the sun through a special telescope filter without blinding event-goers.

 

Prairie Keepers led guided hikes. 





Fort Worth Nature Center manager Suzanne Tuttle was on hand to answer questions. 

 

Aledo-based artist T.K. Riddle captured the picturesque scenery.

 




The Ackermans of Dallas rocked the solar-powered stage.

And, of course, the prairie beamed. 

 

 






 


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Julie Thibodeaux covers environmental issues, green topics and sustainable living for Green Source DFW. Previously, she worked as an editor and writer at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Send your green bulletin items to Julie@greensourcedfw.org. Follow us at Facebook/GreenSourceDFW.com.