“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 May Chapter Meeting with Braeden Duffee | Collin County Croakers!
🐸 Is your knowledge of local amphibians a little… “croaky”? On April 23rd, join us as Braeden Duffee, Nature Preserve Manager at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, presents: Collin County Croakers! 🌿 Braeden will guide us through the fascinating life histories and identification of our local frogs and toads. You won’t want to miss this “un-frog-ettable” evening!🐸
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. ❤️
Past Chapter Meeting Speakers and Topics
Past Deep Dive Speakers and Topics
Current News
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….
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…
📸 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.
🐾 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.
Join us as a presenter in 2026 Annual Meeting!
The 2026 Texas Master Naturalist Annual Meeting heads to Waco, a unique ecological crossroads where the Blackland Prairie meets the Cross Timbers. We are now seeking dynamic Classroom and Field Session proposals that highlight this rich mosaic of grasslands, riparian corridors, and limestone bluffs. Whether showcasing Ice Age history at…
Lights Out, Dallas! Spring 2026 Survey
Migration season has officially arrived! 🐦⬛🦉🦜 Here is the key information for the upcoming bird conservation surveys in Downtown Dallas. Reach out to join our daily survey teams from March 16 to May 31. It’s a small commitment that makes a huge difference for bird conservation in Texas.
🌱 New Season, New Growth: Spring Grant Applications Are Opening!
Dust off those project ideas! The Blackland Prairie Chapter’s semi-annual grant program is officially returning for the spring season.Whether you’re looking to breathe new life into an existing site or have a vision for a brand-new initiative, we want to help you make it happen. If your project aligns with…
Supercharge your City Nature Challenge at LLELA!
Where the Wild Things Are (And You Should Be, Too) – 🐺 🍄 – Trade the screen for the canopy and become a pioneer of the urban wild. LLELA invites you to spend time during the iNaturalist City Nature Challenge with the plants and animals along its trails. All area…
Clearing the Way for Spring: Protecting Trout Lilies in Plano Parks
One primary focus has been the removal of privet (Ligustrum spp.), an aggressive non-native shrub that threatens native plant diversity and degrades habitat for wildlife. With support from Plano Parks and Recreation, our volunteers have been able to expand efforts.
The Humble Bee of Harriet, Texas
When BPTMN’s Arica Shields (Class of ’22) found a lethargic Sonora Bumblebee in Harriett, TX, she stepped up as a member of the “royal guard.” From hand-feeding sugar water to providing a cozy overnight greenhouse stay, it’s a sweet story of a human-bee connection. Read how Arica helped a future…
Monarch View Park Update: Building a Prairie Together
Laura Kuwayama, Class of 2020 – Monarch View Park is undergoing an incredible transformation. Thanks to HEB grants, City of Frisco and the hard work of volunteers, Want to be part of Phase 4? Join us on April 18th (9 AM – 12 PM) as we keep the momentum…
Community Engagement 2026 Events – March Update
Ready to make an impact? 🦋 Our 2026 Community Engagement Director, Tina Burke, has a full season of community engagement ready to go! From Earth Day in McKinney and Allen to Blackland Prairie Raptor Center’s “Night on the Prairie” in Lucas, there are so many ways to get involved. Whether…
Update – Last Saturday Workday – McKinney Green Gardens at Gabe Nesbitt Park
Check out these photos from our Last Saturday Workday in Green Gardens at Gabe Nesbitt Park! We offer hands-on opportunities focused on native and drought-tolerant gardening, composting, water conservation, and general garden maintenance.
Turning Over a New Leaf: Streamlined Project Planning with Sign Up Genius!
We’re turning over a new leaf! To streamline project coordination, our chapter has upgraded to a SignUpGenius Gold account. Enjoy automated reminders, central sign-ups, and instant cancellation alerts. Please continue checking the VH/AT Calendar for the latest updates. Thanks for your patience as we grow into this new tool together!
Last Saturday Workday – Green Gardens at Gabe Nesbitt Park
Join us for the Last Saturday Workday in Green Gardens at Gabe Nesbitt Park! We offer hands-on opportunities focused on native and drought-tolerant gardening, composting, water conservation, and general garden maintenance.