Bluestem Master Naturalists
Welcome to the Bluestem Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program. The mission of the program is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas. Many communities and organizations rely on such citizen volunteers for implementing youth education programs; for operating parks, nature centers, and natural areas; and for providing leadership in local natural resource conservation efforts. In fact, a short supply of dedicated and well-informed volunteers is often cited as a limiting factor for community-based conservation efforts.
As such, Bluestem Chapter volunteers serve the communities within Grayson County by providing programs related to environmental issues; assisting Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge with Youth First programs, school-based field trips, and trail maintenance; partnering with Eisenhower State Park on such projects as bird watches and prairie restoration; and working with the AgriLife Extension office on Youth Conservation Day and other projects as needed.
If you would like more information or are interested in joining our group, go to Contact Us under the About Us tab.
Bluestem Chapter to Present Landowner Education Program
The growth we have seen over the past few years in Grayson County has resulted in a rapid loss of open spaces and habitat for wildlife. Grayson County, furthermore, is expected to see unprecedented growth between 2015 and 2035, with the highest growth areas along the U.S. Highway 75 corridor, which includes Howe, Van Alstyne, and Sherman. At an Austin College symposium in April, the Herald Democrat reported that Sherman City Manager Robby Hefton and Denison City Manager Jud Rex spoke about how this anticipated rapid growth will… Read More →
Bluestem Chapter Completes Seven Years of Service
The Bluestem Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist was chartered in December 2012 and completes seven years of service to Grayson County in December 2019. Members have served as volunteers, giving thousands of service hours, at Eisenhower State Park, Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, and various other sites throughout the county. Charter members are Cathy Van Bebber, Gerry Shehan, Donna Rogers, Ginger Mynatt, Luna McMeen, Doris Floyd, Jack Chiles, Andrew Blacklock, Sue Abernathy, and Marie Lynn. The chapter has grown to a membership of 50 plus.