Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Winfrey Point: Arboretum asks for Mowing Plans to Stop

The Dallas Arboretum say they have asked that mowing plans for Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake, Dallas be stopped after the public expressed outrage over the approved measure last week, read a statement released this morning.

A Monarch butterfly visiting a Texas Thistle at Winfrey Point, White Rock Lake, Dallas, Texas

Winfrey Point: A Monarch butterfly visiting a Texas Thistle

The Arboretum say they have reached out to District 9 Park Board members to not proceed with the approved plans to mow down an area at Winfrey Point so that a parking area could be created.

"Over the past couple of weeks, the Arboretum has heard the opinions of its friends and neighbors and recognizes any plans to temporarily park at Winfrey Point have resulted in serious misunderstandings that need to be addressed," read the statement.

Here is the full release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mary Brinegar
Chief Executive Officer & President
Dallas Arboretum

DALLAS (May 9, 2012)
- On Tuesday, May 8, the leadership of the Dallas Arboretum asked Paul Dyer, Dallas Park and Recreation Department director; Joan Walne, Dallas Park Board president; Councilman Sheffield Kadane, City Council District 9; and Gerry Worrall, District 9 Park Board not to proceed with current plans to mow the previously approved area at Winfrey Point.

Over the past couple of weeks, the Arboretum has heard the opinions of its friends and neighbors and recognizes any plans to temporarily park at Winfrey Point have resulted in serious misunderstandings that need to be addressed. We are committed to being a good neighbor and steward to the citizens of East Dallas, the metroplex and all of North Texas.

We are looking forward to working with city officials and neighborhood associations in the immediate future to develop a plan that best serves the interest of all parties involved. It is our pledge to endeavor to make such planning transparent.

Thank you for your patience while we work to find a solution to the City's and our parking needs.

Well done to everyone involved with Save Winfrey Point. Your efforts have been noted and applauded!

At least for now, the wildflowers are safe and the butterflies can still dance at Winfrey Point.

A swallowtail butterfly visiting a Texas Thistle at Winfrey Point

Friday, April 13, 2012

Spectacular Butterflies at White Rock Lake, Dallas

Butterflies are the Very Essence of Nature

Do you remember the joy you experienced as a child every time you saw a butterfly? Can you think of anything in nature that is more qualified than a butterfly to represent freedom, beauty or tranquility?

All of these images were taken at White Rock Lake in east Dallas, Texas. Most of them were taken on the banks of Dixon Branch Creek, just before it enters the lake.

The beautiful creature below is a Common Buckeye butterfly. It is a fabulous chestnut brown with 6 bright colorful eye spots.

Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)

The Monarch is a spectacular species, and one of the most popular butterflies. These amazing creatures migrate to warmer climates and can travel up to 3000 miles in the process.

Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

Butterflies have been around for at least 50 million years and are an important component of the Earth’s rich biodiversity. They have been studied for over 300 years.

The striking fellow below is a Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta).

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) at White Rock Lake, Dallas, Texas

Dorsal view of the Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta)

Butterflies have the most fascinating life-cycles. The transformation from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis is one of the great wonders of nature.

The beautiful specimen below is a Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia).

Variegated Fritillary (Euptoieta claudia)

Butterflies are good indicators of a healthy environment and healthy ecosystems. Based on the abundance of butterflies at the lake right now, one can only conclude that White Rock Lake is in an extremely healthy state.