|
March 2025
Building a more sustainable, resilient and equitable Waco.
National news has been covering the wildfires that are now burning across North and South Carolina but as I'm writing this, Central Texas is experiencing "potentially historic" fire conditions, according to the National Weather Service. Even though we've had some rain, the high winds and dry air are causing extreme risk of trees and brush catching fire.
New research has been published that you can read in Nature Cities that collected "the most comprehensive and biggest city-based fire incident database so far." What this research shows pretty clearly is that urban fires (like the recent Pacific Palisades and Altadena fires) are becoming increasingly common due to climate change.
Fortunately, the City of Waco continues to make strategic investments in our capacity to deal with fire danger in our community. If you have a chance, come out to the grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Fire Station #15 on March 20th at 9am located at 10905 Panther Way (near Ritchie Road water tower). And Sparky the Fire Dog will even be there!
In service to our community,
Eric Coffman
Sustainability Programs Manager
ericc@wacotx.gov
|
|
Proposal Deadline is March 31
 We're still looking for great speakers to fill the agenda of the next Green Communities Conference to be held September 17 & 18 at the Waco Convention Center. If you know someone who would give an inspiring presentation, put together an engaging panel, workshop or poster presentation, tell them to submit their ideas before March 31.
|
|
Waco Recycled 2,500 Tons in 2024
 Thanks to your recycling efforts, Waco recycled over 2,500 tons of material last year from January to December 2024. That's a significant contribution to keeping our city clean and green. Here's what your recycling power translates to in real-world terms:
-
7,603 cubic yards of space saved in our landfills. That's nearly enough space to fill the volume of about four Olympic-sized pools.
-
21,588 trees saved reducing the need cut down more trees.
-
54,375 gallons of oil saved from using recycled material rather than creating new products from scratch with crude oil.
District 2 Cleanup
Waco Solid Waste will be doing a FREE curbside clean–up and collecting bulky waste and brush from your curbsides on Saturday, March 8th!
Services begin at 7 am, so please have items at your curb (and make sure it's clear what you'd like picked up) before that time.
- Saturday, March 8, 2025
- 7 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Household Hazardous Waste Day is March 22
 Each year the City of Waco hosts the annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day to provide residents with a FREE service for disposal of items considered potentially hazardous. This event is for all residents that live within the city limits of Bellmead, Hewitt, Lacy Lakeview, Waco, or Woodway.
When disposed improperly, items like paint and household cleaners can affect our soil and waterways. By participating in the Household Hazardous Waste drop-off, residents are helping to keep the area clean, green and safe.
Register ahead of time to cruise through the fast lane. If you don't pre-register, bring your utility bill and a photo ID.
|
|
MKT Trail Grand Opening
 The City of Waco will celebrate the grand opening of the M-K-T Trail. This rail-to-trail project transformed 1.2 miles of historic railway from Sherman Street to Gholson Road in East Waco into a lighted, 12-foot-wide concrete pedestrian pathway.
Following a portion of the decommissioned Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad, the mixed-use trail provides a vital link between neighborhoods and the Brazos River trail system. The M-K-T Trail enhances accessibility, promotes outdoor recreation, and preserves a piece of Waco’s rich transportation history.
- Thursday, March 6, 2025
- 11 a.m.
- Trail Head at Garrison St. & Faulkner Ln.
Wednesday Guided Group Hikes
 Join us each Wednesday starting March 12 as we take to the trails for a guided group hike. This is a great opportunity to become more familiar with the trail system and learn some fun facts about the park.
All ages and skill levels are welcome. There will be two Park Rangers onsite to offer an easy hike option and a more advanced one.
Participants should meet promptly at 5:45 p.m. each Wednesday at Northern Gateway (704 Park Lake Dr.). Hikes will last approximately one hour. Please bring water and wear shoes appropriate for hiking. Registration is not required.
Volunteer for World Water Day
 World Water Day is a day to engage communities together for water-related education, fostering a sense of collective responsibility on the global water crisis. In conjunction with this global observance, Keep Waco Beautiful is partnering with City of Waco Watershed Protection, Baylor University Office of Sustainability, Baylor University Center for Reservoir Aquatic Systems Research, City of Waco Wetlands, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and many others.
|
|
 Waco Downtown Farmers Market
SATURDAY MORNINGS, 9am-1pm, 200 E. Bridge St. (NEW LOCATION!)
The Saturday Waco Downtown Farmers Market has officially moved to 200 E. Bridge Street. Come check out the new location and come back for the Wednesday night market starting up again March 19.
Heart of Texas Electric Vehicle Association Monthly Meeting
MARCH 15, 6pm, Kim's Diner at 2600 W Waco Dr.
Topics of conversation regularly include basic EV ownership, zero emissions motorsports, battery recycling, grid resiliency, and conversions. Don't own an EV yet? Come learn things! EV owner? Come teach people! For more information contact: hot.electautoassn@gmail.com
MPO Citizens' Participation Work Group Meeting
MARCH 19, 10-11am, Dr. Mae Jackson Development Center, 401 Franklin Ave.
Join the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) for this workgroup meeting to consider demographic changes in McLennan County, its effect on participatory planning and environmental justice, and make recommendations on how to enhance participation in the development of the MPO's future long range transportation plans, referred to as Metropolitan Transportation Plans (MTP).
Lunch with the Masters: My Raised Bed Journey and Worms, Wonderful Worms
MARCH 19, Noon-2pm, 7601 Steinbeck Bend Dr., RM 105
Raised Bed gardens are a fabulous way to grow your own food. Debbie Fredricks has been gardening for many years and is one of our most recent Master Gardener graduates. After retiring from the corporate world she became aware of the importance of growing our own food. She 'dug' right in creating her raised bed vegetable garden. She is passionate about sharing her method and successes in creating these garden beds.
Did you know that Worms are hungry little creatures? They recycle nutrients and can eat their body weight in food every day! Rianna Alvarado is a Master Gardener of 12 years, specializing in sustainable garden design and creative approaches to cultivating nature-inspired lifestyles. She is extremely knowledgeable about earthworms and will share her knowledge with us. Bring your lunch to this free session. Everyone is welcome.
Sustainable Resource Practices Advisory Board Meeting
MARCH 20, 3pm, Fire Station 6 Community Room
The general public is welcome to attend this monthly meeting of the citizen board that makes policy recommendations to the Waco City Council. Consider becoming a member of the board. More information found here.
World Water Day Waterfest
MARCH 22, 9am-3pm, Indian Spring Park, 101 N. University Parks Dr.
This one-day event will kick off with a river cleanup on The Brazos River, followed by on-site STEAM/STEM activities for attendees of all ages. This event is perfect for area schools to bring students to learn more about the importance of clean water.
Community Workshop: Planning Your Spring Garden
MARCH 29, 11am-noon at Urban REAP, 1509 N. 15th Street
Attend this workshop to learn from Garden Guru April Strickland how to prepare your garden to get the best out of a Texas Spring and Summer growing season. We will learn about what crops grow best March through July and share best practices to ensure you have produce throughout the growing season. Please REGISTER HERE for this event.
|
|
Have Something to Share?
Submit your announcements and ideas to Eric Coffman by APRIL 1 to be included in next month's newsletter.
|
|
Subscribe & Share
Received this email from a friend? Click the button below to subscribe and stay informed. Don't forget to share with your friends and on social media!
|
|
|
|
|
