“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 2026!
2026 July Chapter Meeting – Celebrate 20 Years with Us! | Mid-Year Anniversary Celebration
Come celebrate two decades of service, community, and digital storytelling! Whether you’ve been with us since LeRoy Thompson first asked his famous question or you just joined our ranks, we want to celebrate the shared roots and passion that have grown our chapter into what it is today. Join us at our next meeting to share memories, connect with fellow members, and look ahead to the next 20 years of making a difference together.
Past Chapter Meeting Speakers and Topics
Past Deep Dive Speakers and Topics
Current News
Celebration of the Life of Tony Manasseri, Blackland Prairie Texas Master Naturalist, Class of 2007
Please join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Anthony Joseph “Tony” Manasseri (1946 – 2026). We will gather for a relaxed afternoon of remembrance, conversation, and connection on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at The Landing at Myers Park and Event Center in McKinney,…
Last Saturday Workday – Monarch Gardens at Gabe Nesbitt Park – Updated Summer Hours!
Join us for the Last Saturday Workday in the Monarch Gardens at Gabe Nesbitt Park! We offer hands-on opportunities focused on native and drought-tolerant gardening, composting, water conservation, and general garden maintenance.
Congratulations to the Blackland Prairie Texas Master Naturalist Class of 2026!
On May 13th, we celebrated this incredible group and their completion of the training class requirements.
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.
Introducing the Interactive Trees of North Texas Digital Key
This web app provides a dynamic experience for those identifying species on the go. It allows users to navigate through plant characteristics via a streamlined interface, making it easier than ever to identify local woody plants without needing a printed copy. You can access the digital key directly through your…
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…
Community Engagement 2026 Events – May Update
This May is packed with fantastic community engagement events across North Texas, covering everything from pocket prairie presentations to evening mothing events! 🦋🌿 Volunteers are already stepping up to share the love of nature, with just a couple of spots left to fill before the month wraps up. 🌍
Rick’s Picks from the iNaturalist City Challenge BioBlitz event and iNaturalist tallied results during April 24-27
Nature is showing off its best colors for the 2026 BioBlitz! 🌿✨ From the metallic glow of the Dogbane Leaf Beetle to the striking patterns of the Texas Milkweed Beetle, these tiny neighbors play a huge role in our local ecosystem.
High-Fiveing Nature: “Leaf” it to Lisa for the Best Tips! 🖐️
Don’t let itchy vines “plant” a seed of doubt on your next hike! 🖐️ Lisa showed our group how to spot poison ivy by looking for the “thumbs” on each leaflet—a simple trick that helps you branch out into the wild with confidence. 🌿
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! 🌎