Two million. That’s how many people receive water from the Tarrant Regional Water District (TRWD). The raw water provider supplies the essential resource to residents in 11 North Texas counties, including Tarrant County.
But this wasn’t always the case.
TRWD is celebrating 100 years of public service in 2024, marking a century since it was established after devastating floods affected communities in North Texas in 1922.
Since then, TRWD has solidified its commitment to reliable water supply, flood protection, sustainability, and recreation opportunities through the construction of 250+ miles of pipelines, management of 27 miles of floodway levees, implementation of local environmentally focused outreach programs, and development of the Trinity Trails system. And that’s just scratching the surface.
TRWD’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan sets its sights on meeting the area’s long-term water supply, recreation, and flood control needs, while fulfilling its role in the Central City Flood Control Project, enhancing its fiscal responsibility, and more.
To commemorate the centennial and look forward to future enterprises, TRWD is hosting community events and activities throughout the year. Here are a few happening this spring:
Trinity Flyfest | Saturday, March 9 Join the free community festival that’s perfect for the entire family. Activities include cooking demos, the Big Trout Contest, casting classes, and more.
TRWD Trash Bash | Saturdays in April Each Saturday in April will bring the opportunity to volunteer with TRWD and remove litter from local waterways including the Trinity River, Richland-Chambers, Marine Creek Lake, and Lake Bridgeport.
Texas Water 2024 | Thursday, April 9-Sunday, April 12 The four-day conference focuses on protecting public health and the environment through technical sessions, exhibits, competitions, and networking opportunities.
“The Giant” | Thursday, March 7-Sunday, March 31 | Times vary | W. E. Scott Theatre at Arts Fort Worth, 1300 Gendy St., Fort Worth | Free | View the 25-foot giant man sculpture from 20,000 discarded water bottles made by Fort Worth ISD students and conservation artist Willie Cole.
Friday, March 8
HerStory Celebrates International Women’s Day | Friday, March 8 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | HerStory Gallery, 333 Houston St., Fort Worth | Free | Enjoy shoppable exhibitions of women-led brands from around the globe and specialty cocktails.
Closing Receptions for “Curiosity at Odds: A Contemporary Collection” | Friday, March 8-Saturday, March 9 | Times vary | Gallery 440, 440 S. Main St., Fort Worth | Free | It’s your last chance to check out this curious collection of paintings, drawings, photographs, embroidery, and more.
The Velcro Pygmies w/ Love is War | Friday, March 8 | 8 p.m. | Fat Daddy’s Sports & Spirits Café, 781 W. Debbie Ln., Mansfield | $15 | Rock out to some of the greatest hits of the 80s during this high-energy, Friday night show.*
Saturday, March 9
Old School Hip Hop Brunch Buffet & Party | Saturday, March 9 | 12-3 p.m. | Texas Republic, 945 Foch St., Fort Worth | $20-$300 | Enjoy a brunch buffet with 30+ options, bottomless mimosas, and live music by a DJ.
Class Act Comedy Tour | Saturday, March 9 | 8-10 p.m. | Ridglea Room, 3309 Winthrop Ave., Fort Worth | $15-$20 | Laugh the night away with stand-up performances by David Bates, Garrett Barbee, and Zach Amon.
Sunday, March 10
Whiskey Blending Session | Sunday, March 10 | 1 p.m. | Acre Distilling Co., 1309 Calhoun St., Fort Worth | $25-$55 | Sample 4-5 whiskeys and create your own blend to take home with a private label.
The votes from the Tuesday, March 5 primaries are in. As a result, North Texas will have runoff elections on Tuesday, May 28. See the Democratic candidates for the Tarrant County Commissioner race for Precinct 1 + the candidates for the Republican nomination for the US House of Representatives District 12 seat. (Fort Worth Report)
Traffic
Most school districts + TCU students and staff begin spring break on Saturday, March 9. To help you navigate hot spots in Fort Worth, the city released a guide of helpful tips + road construction updates. Notably, the city has temporarily paused the construction of University Drive to accommodate zoo traffic.
Opening
The Iced Whisk is making moves — from operating out of a home kitchen into its first permanent location, that is. The local bakery plans to open in mid-March at 1300 Red River Dr., Ste. 500 in Euless, neighboring Belk and First Watch. Menu items will include cake balls, macarons, and sugar cookies. (CultureMap Fort Worth)
Community
While Fort Worth Public Library continues its search for a permanent downtown location, it’s bringing back the Downtown Express Library inside the Fort Worth City Hall at 200 Texas St. The temporary location will be open Monday-Friday and have public WiFi and checkout materials. There will not be public access computers or printing.
Outdoors
It’s that time again — egret nesting season. Protect your property from becoming the large white bird’s new home by following these tips. Don’t forget that egrets are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, so these recommendations don’t hurt the birds, they just encourage them nest in wild areas.
Stat
In a recent survey that was completed by 1,700+ Fort Worthians, 72% of respondents reported that they were satisfied with their quality of life in Funkytown. The survey also found that 65% were satisfied with the city’s public safety services and 85% were satisfied with the Fort Worth Zoo. See more findings.
Kids
Disney’s beloved Bluey — the animated blue heeler puppy with her own show — is coming to Bass Hall on Saturday, March 23 + Sunday, March 24 as part of “Bluey’s Big Play.” To celebrate, the Fort Worth Public Library is hosting Bluey-themed story times and activities beginning Thursday, March 21. Register to attend.
Try This
Mark your calendars for Roy Pope Grocery’s Spring Pop-Up on Wednesday, March 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Located off Camp Bowie Boulevard, the event will feature live music, local vendors, and Easter cookie kits.
Sports
Will the Dallas Cowboys trade Trey Lance ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft? Get insights + the biggest stories every day from local experts of the team with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Finance
Spending is easy... but saving? That can be a littleharder to put into practice. Ifsaving money is on your mind this year (and let’s face it, we could all use a bit more cushion in our emergency funds), this one’s for you.*
Pets
Wonder Paws’ Omega Max Drops for dogs are veterinarian recommended, support healthy joints, and reduce itchy skin and shedding. Get 15% off with code DQMRME3N.*
Travel
Let’s hit the road
5 spring road trips from Fort Worth
Bluebonnets in Marble Falls typically hit full bloom in late March to mid-April. | Photo by Peggie Yin via Flickr
If you read our Monday newsletter, you know that we shared some spring road trip inspo. Continuing the travel theme, here are two more Texas destinations for a Spring Break road trip.
Marble Falls | ~ 3 hours
Do: Use this guide to embark on a wildflower adventure.
Eat: Enjoy a fresh cup of joe or an iced latte at Numinous Coffee Roasters. Then, head to Blue Bonnet Cafe for brunch.
Stay: This vintage Airstream located on a private, 14-acre ranch will offer a stay like none other (~$119/night).
Georgetown | ~2 hours and 30 minutes
Do: Explore Georgetown’s picturesque town square and shop at local boutiques like Lark & Owl Booksellers, Mesquite Creek Outfitters, and Blushing Belle Boutique.
Eat: Lunch at Monument Cafe is a must, as is dinner at 600 Degrees Pizzeria and Drafthouse.
Stay: A cozy, pet-friendly cottage that’s a four-minute walk to the Georgetown square (~$229/night).
If you’re not headed out of town for spring break, there will still be plenty to do around town. Head to the Stockyards for the Spring Breakaway series of events — including the popular 23rd Annual Cowtown Goes Green celebration — that runs today through Sunday, March 17.
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