Do It For Mother Nature

Stretch your Earth Day celebration into fun runs, kite-flying, and more this April

Learn about our planet at EarthX's Earth Day Expo April 21-23.

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According to Baylor Scott & White Health, just 20 minutes of exercising outside is equivalent to drinking one cup of coffee in terms of its energy boosting effects.

Combine time spent outdoors with even the tiniest action to improve the planet and your mood is bound to skyrocket, as well.

This month, we're rounding up events that get you out into the fresh air and benefit Mother Nature. Whether you're directly celebrating Earth Day or not, bookmark this list for an instant mood lifter.

The Awareness Project: Earth Day Block Party, April 15
Fun, food, music, games, and vendors converge at this free block party in Hurst, which runs from 10 am-3 pm at 364 E. Pipeline Rd.

This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, which helps us continue to serve the HEB community and beyond. Food donations, monetary contributions and volunteers are appreciated.

Earth Fest: An Earth & Arbor Day Celebration, April 15
Local vendors, food, music, learning stations, and kids activities can be found from 10 am-2 pm at the Alan E. Sims Recreation Center in Cedar Hill. Bonus: Cedar Hill residents can take home a free tree to plant.

Oak Cliff Earth Day, April 16
This grassroots green festival is comprised of local volunteers who wanted to educate the community about protecting our planet. The theme for the 2023 Earth Day is “Environmental Justice for All," with speakers from EarthX joining local politicos at Lake Cliff Park from 12-5 pm.

Celebration White Rock 5K & 10K, April 20
Start at Winfrey Point and then jog along the shores of White Rock Lake during this evening race, which promises pretty sunset views along with a pre-run stretch by Orange Theory and DJ Matthew Stafford at the afterparty. All proceeds go toward improving the park. Overall winners of the the 5K and 10K will have their name engraved on a stone at the spillway on the south side of White Rock Lake forever.

EarthX Earth Day Expo, April 21-23
Join approximately 177,000 attendees, 700 exhibitors, and 400 speakers at Fair Park for the world's largest green gathering, founded by Dallas' own Trammell S. Crow. Take notes at the electric vehicle and alternative fuel showcase, pick up tips at the recycling workshops, and visit the immersive planetarium. Sound overwhelming? Register for free in advance to take advantage of the event's experience planner and map our your ideal schedule.

Take Flight on Earth Day, April 22
Make and fly your own kite during an Earth Day celebration starting at 9 am at Bob Cooke Park in Arlington. Lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets are welcome, and registration is $5 per person.

Addison Earth Day Block Party, April 29
Mark your calendar and clean out your closet for this massive garage sale that also includes live music, food trucks, crafts, an Earth Day scavenger hunt, and the Pop Up at the Park trailer. It's happening from 12-2 pm at the Addison Conference and Theatre Centre Parking Lot and in Addison Circle Park.

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Weed News

Texas AG Ken Paxton sues Dallas over decriminalization of marijuana

Photo courtesy of US Fish & Wildlife

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The City of Dallas has been sued by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for its efforts to decriminalize marijuana.

According to a release, Paxton has sued the city for adopting a city charter amendment that would decriminalize marijuana-related offenses and prohibit police from enforcing Texas law.

That amendment was Proposition R, or Dallas Freedom Act, which decriminalizes possession of four ounces of marijuana or less. Voters passed the amendment in the November 5 election, with 67 percent voting in favor.

The lawsuit, filed against the Dallas City Council, alleges that Proposition R is unconstitutional and violates Texas drug laws criminalizing any amount of marijuana.

Paxton says that cities can't "pick and choose which state laws to follow." He's proposing a permanent injunction to stop Proposition R from going into effect.

"The City of Dallas has no authority to override Texas drug laws or prohibit the police from enforcing them," says Paxton in a statement. "This is a backdoor attempt to violate the Texas Constitution, and any city that tries to constrain police in this fashion will be met swiftly with a lawsuit by my office.”

Before the recent election, possession of two to four ounces of marijuana could result in a punishment of 180 days in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Ground Game Texas, the activist nonprofit that has also helped get marijuana decriminalization on the ballot in elections across Texas, first got the issue on the ballot in July with the necessary 50,000 signatures.

Dallas is not the only city to be sued; Paxton also filed lawsuits against five other cities in Austin, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and San Marcos in January for their ballots and policies decriminalizing marijuana.

Both Austin and San Marcos had a judge overturn their cases, according to a FOX 4 report.

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