UT’s High-Tech Irrigation System Set to Go Live on the Web

In a state plagued by drought, UT-Austin’s $2.1 million water monitoring system is on the cutting-edge of the new cry for conservation.

What’s His Major? Genetics, Cotton and Entrepreneurship

A UT undergrad with a diverse academic background is betting on genetics to revolutionize the cotton industry.

In Texas, Add Drought to Beekeepers’ Woes

Local beekeepers are also dealing with the mysterious die-offs of large numbers of honeybees in hives, called colony collapse disorder.

Scorching Cactus and Hauling Water, Ranchers Try to Survive Drought

Ranchers in Starr County are trying to counter the effects of the drought on their herd.

Austin Company Has Unique Answer to Capturing CO2 Emissions

Austin’s Skyonic Corp. is building a new plant that will turn carbon dioxide into solids it can sell commercially.

Ligustrum Control? Don’t Expect Texas Legislature to Help

The fight to kill off invasive plant species ligustrum are in full gear in Austin and other Texas locales, but experts say the effort cannot succeed without legislation banning the species on private land.

What’s a Waste? Curbside Composting Pilot Draws Questions

South Austin residents are pleased with the city curbside organics collection pilot, but they’ve raised questions about what can be recycled with it.

Bills Would Prevent Serving of Real Shark Fin Soup in Texas

The proposed legislation is designed to help shark conversation, now threatened by the worldwide demand for shark fin soup.

Christmas Wish (and Twist) for Christmas Tree Farmers: Dry Weather

Christmas tree farmers have dealt with a drought that hampered the growing season then cold and wet weather that deterred buyers.

Texas Towns Contemplate Drinking Recycled Wastewater

Big Spring and Brownwood are planning to reuse wastewater as they contemplate a drier future.

Austin Wants to Know Where the Wells Are

The City of Austin is working toward regulating private wells, which are becoming more popular in wealthier neighborhoods.

Complications to Galveston’s Development Planning

A perennial debate on Galveston: balancing the needs of coastal-dwelling Texans with the threat of a rising ocean and the coastal destruction accompanying it.

Texas Cattle Still Healthy Despite Budget Cuts to Health Commission

While devastating cattle diseases still run rampant in many parts of the world, Texas hasn’t had a serious disease outbreak in decades, but is hasn’t been easy, especially with budget cuts to the Texas Animal Health Commission.

Rhetoric and Findings Go Hand in Hand With Fracking Report

A report by UT’s Energy Institute on the environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing has drawn attention for both its findings and its rhetoric.

Texas at the Epicenter of ‘Lunker’ Bass Fishing

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s ShareLunker program is aiming to produce the world’s largest bass.

Dams Are Coming Down, But Not in Texas

Texas has more dams than any other state, but it bucks the national trend of removing ones that might pose a hazard or improve fishery conditions.

Prospect for Continued Drought Bodes Ill for Texas Trees

This year’s drought has been rough on trees throughout Texas, with vigilance necessary to keep some species healthy.

6 Species Slouch Toward Endangered Status

Six Texas species are endangered-species candidates, putting them toward the end of a long line of plants and animals awaiting a final ruling on their status.

In Dry San Angelo, Global Water Lilies

Ken Landon, who runs the International Water Lily Collection in bone-dry San Angelo, looks more like a 62-year-old rock star than the Indiana Jones of horticulture.

Texas Drought Prompts Fish Rescue

Wildlife biologists have rescued nearly 3,000 sharpnose and smalleye shiners from the Brazos River in a bid to save the fish from extinction during the Central Texas drought.