For more information, visit NTMWD.com and BoisdArcLake.org. See ad, page 9. 30
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million trees. We are restoring more than 70 miles of waterway streams, creating 8,500 acres of wetlands and planting 3,200 acres of native grassland,” he shares. “Once this entire area is developed and matures, we’ll work with federal agencies to turn it into an area for public access.” The Bois d’Arc Lake project should be completed by spring 2022. In the meantime, Rickman and NTMWD continue to educate the public about conserving and protecting water resources. “It’s important to know that whatever is washed down storm drain pipes—used motor oil, pesticides or grass clippings—ends up in a lake somewhere,” he affirms. Oil and other toxins should be disposed of at designated hazardous waste drop-off sites. Grass clippings can be left on lawns. Leaves can be turned into garden mulch. Instead of chlorine, NTMWD uses ozone as a primary disinfectant, which Rickman says kills most infectious byproducts and results in consistent taste year-round. Their Wetlands Project removes discharged wastewater from the East Fork of the Trinity River and pumps it through an 1,840-acre swath of constructed wetlands full of plants that absorb nutrients like phosphates, thus keeping them from the water supply. The water is then pumped back into Lavon Lake for future treatment at the Wylie facilities. “That project produces about 90 million gallons per day,” Rickman says. “It’s a conservation strategy because you’re using the water for a second time.” In addition, NTMWD promotes a program called Water My Yard, developed by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, that allows users to sign up and learn when to water—or not water— their lawns, as opposed to having sprinkler systems automatically turn on at scheduled intervals. “In our part of the world, that’s where most of the water is used. The demand for water more than doubles in summer because of lawn irrigation,” Rickman says. So far, nearly 15,000 residents in North Texas have signed up to use Water My Yard. “Conservation is 25 percent of our water supply—it’s ultimately our cheapest source of water,” he advises.
Body Gratitude Being Thankful Empowers Our Workouts by Marlaina Donato
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xercise is crucial to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and many other health conditions, but staying motivated to maintain a routine can sometimes be challenging, even for fitness devotees. Cultivating an appreciation for the way our bodies carry us through life can turn what may have seemed like a humdrum workout into something special. Research shows that a gratitude practice fosters patience, encourages self-care and nourishes self-discipline, especially when there is temptation to reach for another slice of pie.
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