The Rolling Plains Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist is partnering with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to monitor prairie dogs colonies in North Texas. Currently the chapter has adopted three locations and will be adding more. One of the sites in Clay County is also home to several burrowing owls. Our mission is to share with the public about the importance of prairie dogs as a keystone species. Until the black-tailed prairie dog is added to the endangered species list, our role is to change public opinion about them. “Nine different wildlife species depend on the prairie dog and their habitat for their survival. The prairie dog is a critical component to healthy North American grasslands.”