“Education, Restoration, Conservation”
Our Mission
The Texas Master Naturalist Program’s mission 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.
Our Commitment to You
The Blackland Prairie Texas Master Naturalist chapter is strengthened by the diversity of our members. We are committed to providing a welcoming environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion are a core part of everything that we do. We strive to be an organization that reflects the communities we serve and encourages multiple ideas and viewpoints.
The Texas Master Naturalist program is a partnership between the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and other local partners.
Congratulations to the Blackland Prairie Chapter Class of 2025!
2026 June Chapter Meeting with Bob Richie | Hidden Partners: The Role of Fungi in Plant Growth
🍄 Join us as we uncover the secret, symbiotic handshakes happening right beneath our feet. We’re exploring how plants and fungi became the ultimate “sole-mates” and why their ancient partnership is a total game-changer for life on Earth. It’s going to be a spore-tacular look at the connections that keep our planet thriving! 🌱
Past Chapter Meeting Speakers and Topics
Past Deep Dive Speakers and Topics
Current News
The Accessibility Team Needs You!
The Accessibility Team is looking for help with web design, trail assessments, copy writing, and organizational assistance.
In Remembrance of Tony Manasseri, Blackland Prairie Texas Master Naturalist, Class of 2007
We lost a valuable member this past week. Tony Manasseri was a one man show for our chapter. He joined committees, did physical labor, was active in almost every facet of our chapter.
SAVE THE DATE: June 4 for the Mural Reveal at the Monarch Gardens (formerly Green Gardens) at Gabe Nesbitt Park
SAVE THE DATE: June 4, 4:30 pm, we’ll be hosting a Mural Reveal at the City of McKinney Monarch Gardens (formerly Green Gardens) at Gabe Nesbitt Park.
40th Annual Spring Wildflower Tour on May 16th
The Nature Conservancy is celebrating 40 years of conservation work at the Clymer Meadow Preserve in 2026! We invite you to visit the prairie as a part of the 40th Annual Spring Wildflower Tour on May 16th. Come see the bright spring colors as we walk through this relic, old-growth…
Celebrating Our Impact: National Volunteer Week 2026
This National Volunteer Week, we are igniting a celebration of service! The Blackland Prairie Chapter is proud to share our 2025 impact: 260 volunteers and 42,945 hours dedicated to preserving Texas nature. Check out our chapter’s incredible milestones as we join the statewide celebration of conservation.
Ain’t no Party like a Moth Night Party with Sam Kieschnick, Urban Wildlife Biologist in McKinney!
Step into the wild after dark!
Using special UV lights, we’ll attract and observe moths and other nighttime species as part of a Mothing BioBlitz, a snapshot of the biodiversity in McKinney. See moths and other nocturnal insects up close, learn how to use the iNaturalist app to record observations, and…
2026 iNaturalist City Nature Challenge April 24-27
2026 iNaturalist City Nature Challenge April 24-27 Get ready, North Texas 🦋—the 2026 City Nature Challenge is officially blooming across Frisco, Plano, and McKinney! We are taking photos of the flora and fauna of our community. Come help us show the world the incredible nature we have in DFW….
Community Engagement 2026 Events – April & May Update
Ready to make an impact? 🦋 Tina Burke has a full spring of Earth Day, BioBlitzes, & Mothing! Help us share the prairie love. Grab a shift today! 🌎
🌱 Spring Grant Applications open until April 30th
Dust off those project ideas! The Blackland Prairie Chapter’s semi-annual grant program is officially returning for the spring season. If your project aligns with our mission of education, restoration, and conservation, this is your chance to secure chapter support.
🦇 Discover the “Music of the Night” at Hagerman NWR
Join the Friends of Hagerman on May 14 for a 🦇Bat Monitoring Workshop by Dr. Bryon Clark! Learn to identify local species and see bioacoustic tech in action. ✨
A New Chapter in Youth Engagement
From “education trunks” to a Junior Master Naturalist pilot, the YES Committee is growing! Discover how we’re inspiring the next generation.
Monarch View Park Planting April 18 2026
On April 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., we’ll use the remaining funds from the second HEB grant and a chapter grant to plant the fourth phase of the project. We’re excited to have One Earth One Chance, Frisco High School, and Centennial High School helping with this next…
JM Caldwell Park Pollinator Garden in Princeton
Ready to grow? 🌻 Dig in with Keep Princeton Beautiful every 2nd Saturday! Mulch, weed, and save the pollinators in Princeton. 9-11 AM. Let’s bloom! ✨
🐾 Volunteer Spotlight: Sarah Densmore, A Success Story in Wildlife Rehab
We celebrate our Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists for National Volunteer Month with a spotlight on our Sarah Densmore, Class of 2021, wildlife rehabilitator and Advanced Training VHAT Calendar Coordinator.
📸 Volunteer Spotlight: John W. Garbutt, A Passion for the Prairie
We celebrate our Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists for National Volunteer Month with a spotlight on our John W. Garbutt, a dedicated naturalist who uses photography and storytelling to bridge the gap between our community and the natural world.