On Saturday, April 24th, Michelle Haggerty and Sonny Arnold represented the Texas Master Naturalist program and our agency sponsors of Texas Parks & Wildlife and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service as the program was accepted the Environmental Awareness Award in the nonprofit Education Category from the Texas League of Women Voters during the League’s Biennial Convention in San Marcos, Texas. Several of the convention awards luncheon attendees were Texas Master Naturalists as well–Thanks and congrats to you too!
Penny Miller, a Master Naturalist in the Rolling Plains Chapter nominated the Texas Master Naturalist program for this award. Penny is also a member of the Texas League of Women Voters and she was able to personalize the nomination form with Statewide program stats and specific examples of volunteer service projects and impacts of the Rolling Plains Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist Program. Mark Howell, of the Inland Fisheries Division is the TPWD Advisor for the chapter there locally and has been a great resource and source of support for the local chapter since its inception. Fred Hall, recently new to his position as the Wichita County Ag & Natural Resources Agent for the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, is supporting the chapter as well. Thanks Gentlemen!
Jensie Madden, also a League member AND a Texas Master Naturalist worked at writing and distributing news releases in the local area regarding the honor. Thanks for the publicity Jensie!!
Thanks everyone for your dedication and support of the Texas Master Naturalist Program. This award is a recognition of the hard work of each and every one of our Texas Master Naturalist Volunteers.
The award criteria included and recognizes that the Texas Master Naturalist Program:
• Has made a significant difference in improving the quality of the environment in Texas.
• Has made a positive difference statewide.
• Has demonstrated a long-term involvement in environmental issues.
• Has demonstrated risk-taking behavior to protect the environment.
• Has provided information to educate the public about the environment.
• Has contributed to protection of the environment for future generations.
• Has demonstrated coalition-building skills to maximize involvement by others.
• Has served as a role model for others.
With these awards, the League continues the 80 plus years of promoting good government and environmental protection in Texas and the United States.