Latest news with #Crabapple
Forbes
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Run Through The Trees And Support The Morton Arboretum's Conservation Efforts
Spend time in the outdoors during the Firefly Race Series. The Morton Arboretum With 1,700 tree-filled acres, The Morton Arboretum is a lovely place to spend the day, especially as the seasons change. Whether you visit a special exhibition, find your way through the Maze Garden, take part in one of the family programs, or romp around the gardens, prairies, or forests, there's plenty to do and learn here. Hikers can explore miles of chipped trails, created specifically to enjoy the peaceful sights and sounds of nature. Cyclists can wind through diverse tree collections on nine miles of paved trails. But, if you're a runner, you're in for a treat on the arboretum's outer 4.5-mile loop on the east side or on the 2.9-mile loop on the west side. Support the arboretum's important conservation mission, where they collect and study trees from all over the globe, to not only foster learning, but also, to benefit the environment. The Firefly Race Series is a fantastic way to raise funds for a non-profit that is doing big things for the planet. The money raised for the race series directly benefits plant science, research, and conservation. 'The Arboretum is spectacular, with flowering trees and plants all along the race route, from sweeps of daffodils and wildflowers to the ever-popular purple redbuds and a tapestry of color blossoming in the Crabapple Collection,' said Arboretum Special Event Planner, Kate Fitzgerald in a press release. 'It's a very unique race course in the Chicago area.' Runners work through the miles for the Firefly Race Series. The Morton Arboretum After your run, explore the miles of trails throughout the arboretum. getty Fun for all ages and various abilities, pick from either the 3K or 10K running events, or participate virtually and run at a time and location of your own choosing. Each in-person race participant will earn a special Firefly Race Series shirt and enjoy post-race fun. On Friday, June 13, the Firefly 3K begins at 8:00 p.m. The course allows for sunset watching along the arboretum's east side. The best part is that the course is mostly flat and ideal for runners, walkers, or even wheelchair users. Following the race, participants are invited to attend a lively party with a DJ, glow sticks, and refreshments. If you've never run a race before, this is a great introduction into how fun it can be to run outside and be a part of a heath-minded community. For the more challenging 10K, runners will cross the starting line at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14. This USATF-certified course winds through the gorgeous woodlands and tree collections on the arboretum's east side. Top overall male, female, and nonbinary runners will receive awards in each age division. Complete both the 3K and 10K as part of the combined Firefly Race Series Challenge and you'll earn a special award. Running through the trees is a great way to spend the day. The Morton Arboretum No matter which routes you choose—3K, 10K, or virtual—sign up through RunSignUp. Spectators can watch for free if they register in advance and arrive before 9:00 a.m., and they are welcome to attend post-race festivities. When you register, you can choose whether you'd like your race packet mailed to you directly or if you'd like to pick it up at the arboretum ahead of the event on race day—both options cost $10. If you can arrive at Dick Pond Athletics in Lisle between June 6—13, however, packet pickup is free of charge.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Fight to contain Crabapple fire not over as winds stengthen, humidity drops
GILLESPIE COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) – Fire crews continue efforts Tuesday to contain the Crabapple fire, which has affected an estimated 9,858 acres, according to the city of Fredericksburg. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Texas A&M Forest Service reported the fire was 90% contained. 'We're sustaining winds between 15 and 20 miles an hour, gusting up to 30 miles an hour,' said City Public Information Officer Sean Doerre. 'Humidity levels are expected [Tuesday] afternoon into the 10 and 20% range. With that low level of humidity, that gives the fire the embers a chance to spread again.' The fire started on Saturday in the early afternoon around 10 miles north of downtown Fredericksburg. Since then, it destroyed nine residences, damaged two more and destroyed 20 outbuildings. A combination of drought conditions and strong winds helped fuel the fire. About half of Gillespie County is experiencing exceptional drought, or stage four, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. 'We've had a deficit of rainfall for a period of about six years now, and that's led to really poor soil conditions,' said Paul Bab, the General Manager for the Hill Country Underground Water Conservation District. 'The magnitude of usage for firefighting is minuscule in comparison to the normal demands on the aquifer,' Babb said. Fire crews will use stored rainwater and water from aquifers and surface water to put out flames. 'The volumes of water that they utilize in relation to what's available, and even what the district expects to be pumped on an annual basis, are pretty incomparable,' Babb said. 'There is water available, and this is probably the best use for water,' Babb continued. 'Thank God that we do have these resources – that they are available even in a time of intense drought can be a part of the solution to fight these fires.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
East Texas non profit prepare to bring relief efforts to tornado victims
TYLER, Texas (KETK)- J Star Ministries and Texans on Mission are preparing to bring relief and resources to tornado outbreak victims in the South and Midwest. 5-year-old hit by sedan in Carthage, officials investigating East Texas organizations are doing what they do best gearing up to help people in need. On Wednesday, J Star Ministries will go to Cave City and Diaz, Ark. Patrick Johnson, the nonprofit's founder, is asking for donations on his social media platform. Johnson is asking for financial donations and items, including water, non-perishables, dog food, cat food and other basic needs. 'The typical basic needs such as water, Gatorade, tarps, first aid kits, toilet paper, paper towel, nonperishable food items, chips, snacks, drinks and first aid kits,' founder of J Star Ministries, Patrick Johnson, said. Rep. Hefner proposes bills to eliminate threats towards Texas Texans on Mission is on standby to deploy a quick response crew to the hardest hit areas in Missouri. A crew of nearly 50 people will help clean up efforts with a chainsaw recovery units, shower units and a feeding units. The mobile kitchen can feed up to 600 people each day. 'They don't have power, and they got tree damage, so we would take our feeding unit there for the public, and then we would also take chainsaw recovery units and shower units for our volunteers,' Director of Disaster Relief for Texans on Mission, David Wells. Texans on Mission is sending shower units to Fredericksburg, where first responders have been battling the Crabapple fire, scorching nearly 10,000 acres. Both J Star and Texans on Mission plan to aid victims of more than 130 fires in Oklahoma. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
17-03-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
Thousands of acres set ablaze in Texas and Oklahoma wildfires: See maps
Thousands of acres set ablaze in Texas and Oklahoma wildfires: See maps Show Caption Hide Caption Oklahoma wildfires spread across state, hundreds of homes destroyed Hundreds of homes were destroyed as wildfires swept across Oklahoma, prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders. Wildfires continue to burn across Texas as part of the state is under red flag warnings, according to officials. Low humidity continues to affect South Central Texas as wildfires set thousands of acres ablaze, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service Incident Viewer. The Crabapple fire in Gillespie County, around 75 miles northwest of San Antonio, has set 9,737 acres ablaze and remains at 65% contained as of Monday evening, according to A&M. In total, there are six active fires listed on its website. In the northern part of Texas, the largest of the fires, the Windmill fire, engulfed 23,147 acres in Roberts County in flames and is 95% contained, according to A&M. The region faces "critical fire weather conditions" on Wednesday as humidity levels are low, between 9% to 25%, and sustained winds of 15 to 25 mph, with some gusts reaching 35 mph sweep across the area, according to the National Weather Service. However, winds are expected to calm, and humidity will rise Monday night. Texas wildfire map Oklahoma wildfire warning Texas isn't the only state facing fire weather. In Oklahoma, hundreds of homes have been destroyed due to fires. Over 300 homes and structures were destroyed in the fire, according to The Oklahoman, part of the USA TODAY Network. The National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma reported Monday that the state will see near-critical or higher fire warnings Monday through Friday due to the continued elevated risks. Over 24 counties are included in a red flag warning for Monday and a subsequent fire weather watch for Tuesday. Oklahoma fire map Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. You can connect with her on LinkedIn, follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas wildfires: FEMA approves federal assistance grants for fires in Gray, Gillespie counties
The Brief FEMA has approved Texas's request for Fire Management Assistance Grants for two wildfires in the Hill Country and the Panhandle. The Rest Area fire and the Crabapple fire have burned a collective 17,431 acres so far as of Sunday afternoon. FEMA's approval means that Texas is eligible for 75% reimbursement for costs associated with fighting the two wildfires. AUSTIN, Texas - FEMA has approved Texas's request for federal funding to fight two large wildfires burning thousands of acres in the Hill Country and the Panhandle. Gov. Greg Abbott announced the approval in a release, saying that FEMA has approved the state's request for Fire Management Assistance Grants for the Rest Area Fire in Gray County and the Crabapple Fire in Gillespie County. What we know FEMA's approval means that Texas is eligible for 75% reimbursement from the federal government for costs associated with fighting these wildfires. The grants are available to states and local jurisdictions for the mitigation, management, and control of fires on publicly or privately owned forests or grasslands, which threaten such destruction and would constitute a major disaster. Dig deeper Abbott has directed the following state emergency response resources to support local wildfire response efforts: Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System): Local, state, and out-of-state firefighters and support personnel, fire engines, bulldozers, and motor graders; federally contracted firefighting aircraft, including large air tankers, single-engine air tankers for retardant drops, air attack platforms for surveillance and spotting, super scoopers for water drops, helicopters with firefighting capability, fire bosses and an aerial supervision module for aerial guidance Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team to support deployed emergency response resources across the state Texas National Guard: Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters with firefighting capability Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Wildland Fire Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers to patrol roadways and assist stranded motorists Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, State Park Police Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Type 3 Urban Search and Rescue Teams Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents as well as AgriLife Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs Texas Animal Health Commission: Coordinating animal resource needs Texas Department of Agriculture: Coordinating agricultural resource needs Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state's natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Personnel to provide information on available services through the 2-1-1 Texas Information Referral Network Texas Department of Information Resources: Monitoring technology infrastructure By the numbers The Rest Area fire in Gray County, located east of Amarillo, has burned about 7,900 acres and is 95% contained as of 4:03 p.m. March 16, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service incident map. The Crabapple fire in Gillespie County, located between Fredericksburg and Crabapple, has burned about 9,500 acres and is 55% contained as of 6:30 p.m. March 16. What you can do Texans whose homes or businesses sustained wildfire damage are also encouraged to report it using TDEM's Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) damage survey. The survey can be filled out in multiple languages by selecting "2025 Wildfire Incidents." Collected information in these surveys helps emergency management teams assess the damage and aids officials in connecting impacted Texans with available resources. However, Abbott's office is reminding Texans that the iSTAT survey is not a substitute for reporting damages to insurance providers and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance. The Source Information in this report comes from the Texas A&M Forest Service and Gov. Greg Abbott's office.
