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The Blackland Prairie consists of about 12.6 million acres of east-central Texas extending from the Red River to Bexar County. There are smaller areas to the southeast. The soils are deep dark gray to black alkaline. The soils are known as “cracking clays” because of the large, deep cracks that form in dry weather. This soil can cause serious damage to foundations, highways, and other structures and is a safety hazard in pits and trenches. Most of the grassland has been changed to pasture type grasses with native grasses on the shallower and steeper soils. It is the native grasses that the author writes about.

Fourth of July is approaching, bringing car sales and deals with it. Amid COVID-19, online car sales have been increasing in popularity. However, this makes aspects of the car buying process, like financing and payment terms, more difficult to understand. Knowing the best ways to handle online car sales is important. In 2019, the Better Business Bureau received nearly 200 complaints against the auto industry. Between January and May 2020, 99 complaints were made: a higher monthly rate than last year.

Last year, as temperatures soared into the triple digits in Texas, 48 Texas State Parks handled 129 heat-related illnesses in humans and pets. Now that the summer has officially begun and temperatures are steadily climbing, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is sharing their top six heat hacks for staying safe in the outdoors.