“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.
Monthly Chapter Meetings
2024 April Chapter Meeting with Dwight Wilson | Learning to Read Tracks and Signs
Michelle Connally, Class of 2018
Tuesday, April 9, 2024 – 7:00 PM – Chapter Meeting
Saturday, April 13, 2024 – 9:00 AM – Tracking Hike at Oak Point Park with Dwight Wilson
Click here to view our Calendar
Discover the Art of Tracking and Signs with Dwight Wilson! Join us on Tuesday, April 9 at 7:00 PM, either in person or online, for Dwight Wilson’s engaging presentation on learning to read tracks and signs. Dive into the fascinating world of wildlife clues and gain valuable insights.
And that’s not all! Take your learning outdoors and join Dwight in person at Oak Point Park on the following Saturday, April 13 for an exciting Hands-On Tracking Hike. Explore the natural environment of Oak Point Park with a long and wide riparian corridor that includes soft foot trails along Rowlett Creek, we will decode hidden messages left by animals.
Speaker – Dwight Wilson
Dwight Wilson’s journey as a tracker has been nothing short of remarkable. He has had the privilege of learning from some of the most esteemed trackers in the nation, including luminaries like Tom Brown, Jon Young, Paul Rezendes, Charles Worsham, and Nathan Kempton. Their wisdom and expertise have shaped Dwight’s keen eye for wildlife signs and his ability to decipher nature’s hidden language.
Dwight’s passion extends beyond the classroom. He has actively contributed to university wildlife projects, sharing his insights with hundreds of eager students. His practical experience isn’t confined to academia; he has also lent his tracking skills to federal law enforcement agencies and elite military personnel.
As an accomplished author, Dwight has penned two captivating books: “Following Track Vol 1” and “Following Track Vol 2.” And the adventure continues—“Following Track Vol 3” is currently in progress, promising even deeper insights into the art of tracking.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from a master tracker and deepen your appreciation for the natural world!
Physical Meeting Location: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary,
1Nature Place, McKinney TX 75069, Science Resource Center (SRC) building.
Directions to SRC: Drive through Heard gates; go past parking lot and museum building; continue until the road ends at the large white SRC building.
Online Zoom Meeting Registration:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqc-yrqT4rHtzVMlNaWFk_mL0NlAjq0Lpj
Please register ahead of time for this meeting using your Zoom Account Email address.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the meeting.
Online Meeting Host: Heather Fell – heatherf@bptmn.org
Logging AT: The monthly meeting presentation will allow members to earn 1-hour of AT. Log as AT: BPTMN Chapter Monthly Meeting Only (1 hour) with the speaker’s name and topic in the description box.
Logging AT for the Hike: 1 Hour AT can be earned attending the instructional Tracking Hike with Dwight Wilson. Log as AT: BPTMN Other Pre-approved Training (Name and Place of Event).
We will meet at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, 5901 Los Rios Blvd, Plano, TX 75074. Park in the lot in front of the bathrooms.
Please ensure to arrive early, as arriving late may make it difficult to locate the group once the hike has commenced.
Remember to wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes.
For any additional questions, please contact.
Chapter Meeting Organizer – Stephanie Cleveland – stephaniec@bptmn.org
2024 March – ONLINE DEEP DIVE with Vicki Sanders presenting Eclipse 101
Michelle Connally, Class of 2018
Monday, March 25, 2024 – 6:00 PM
Click here to view our Calendar
Click here to view Local Eclipse Events
All are welcome to join us Monday, March 25 at 6:00PM for an enlightening session presented by Vicki Sanders, Eclipse 101 via Zoom that delves into the captivating world of eclipses! Our upcoming advanced training event promises to be both educational and awe-inspiring. Here’s a sneak peek at what the talk will cover:
- Eclipse Basics: Discover the fascinating science behind eclipses—the intricate dance of celestial bodies that leads to these awe-inducing phenomena. Learn why solar and lunar eclipses occur and how they shape our cosmic experiences.
- Solar Eclipse Expectations: Have you ever wondered what it feels like to witness a solar eclipse? We’ll explore the magic of these rare events, from the gradual dimming of daylight to the breathtaking moment of totality. Get ready to be spellbound!
- Safe Viewing Practices: Protect your eyes and immerse yourself in the wonder of an eclipse. Our experts will share essential tips for safely observing solar eclipses. Whether you’re using eclipse glasses or other ingenious methods, we’ve got you covered.
- GLOBE Observer: Unveil the power of citizen science with GLOBE Observer. What is it, you ask? Learn how this global community contributes valuable data by observing clouds, land cover, and—yes—eclipses! Discover how you can actively participate and make a difference.
- NASA Resources: Explore a treasure trove of NASA’s educational materials. We’ll guide you through the wealth of resources available. Whether you’re an educator, a curious learner, or an aspiring astronaut, there’s something for everyone.
Mark your calendars for this celestial rendezvous! Let’s unravel the mysteries of eclipses together and ignite our passion for the cosmos.
Speaker – Vicki Sanders
Vicki Sanders, a proud alumna of Texas A&M University, brings her passion for environmental stewardship and community engagement to the forefront. With a professional background in non-profit fundraising, she has dedicated her career to making a positive impact.
In 2022, Vicki embarked on an exciting journey by joining the Texas Master Naturalist program. Her commitment to understanding and preserving the natural world led her to specialize as a Texas Water Specialist. Through this role, she actively contributes to water conservation efforts, ensuring that Texas’s precious water resources are safeguarded for generations to come.
But Vicki’s curiosity doesn’t stop there. She is also a proud member of the Eclipse Educators Program, a prestigious initiative sponsored by NASA. As part of this program, she shares her knowledge of celestial events, inspiring others to look up and appreciate the wonders of the cosmos.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Vicki is a true community champion. She volunteers her time and expertise with several organizations as a Blackland Prairie Chapter Master Naturalist, including:
- Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas: Guiding young minds toward environmental awareness and leadership.
- Texas Stream Team: Monitoring and protecting water quality in local streams and rivers.
- The Heard Museum: Connecting people to nature through educational programs and exhibits.
- Connemara: Advocating for the preservation of native Texas landscapes.
- Blackland Prairie Raptor Center: Fostering rehabilitation and conservation of raptors.
- Allen Public Library: Promoting literacy and community enrichment.
Vicki Sanders exemplifies the spirit of giving back—whether it’s nurturing the environment, empowering youth, or fostering a love for learning. Her dedication serves as an inspiration to us all.
Click the Link to join the Deep Dive via Zoom –
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84415801056?pwd=WXAwVDV0cC9ZalNhOXAxK2dPMElTQT09
Logging AT: Approved for half hour of AT to be logged as AT: BPTMN Chapter Deep Dives – Description box: ‘Eclipse 101’
For any additional questions, please contact.
Chapter Meeting Organizer – Stephanie Cleveland – stephaniec@bptmn.org