Blackland Prairie Chapter

  “Education, Restoration, Preservation”

The mission of the Texas Master Naturalist 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.

The Texas Master Naturalist program is a partnership between the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and other local partners.

Monthly Chapter Meetings

July 14 Meeting Presentation Summary and Speaker Bio: 

Forest Health: The Advance of the Emerald Ash Borer

The emerald ash borer is a destructive non‐native wood‐boring pest of ash trees. Native to Asia, the emerald ash borer beetle (EAB) was unknown in North America until its discovery in southeast Michigan in 2002. Since then, the invasive pest has spread to 35 states including North Texas. EAB is responsible for killing millions of ash trees across much of the country. Ash trees are widespread in Texas and all native ash species are susceptible to attack. Mike will review actions being taken by the Texas A&M Forest service and Texas Department of Agriculture and provide updates on community responses from area municipalities. 

Mike Sills has been a Regional Urban Forester for the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Dallas Region for three years.  He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1995 with a B.S. in Forestry and has been an ISA Certified Arborist since 1997. Mike can fly…he has been a Private Pilot since 1997.  He enjoys flying and working on his classic vehicles.  He and his wife of 19 years, Ginny, also enjoy traveling and being at home with their pets.

Emerald Ash Borer Handout
Mike Sills EAB Slides


Texas A&M Forest Service Invasive Species – Emerald Ash Borer – (Agrilus planipennis)

Past Meeting Topics