🕷️ Join us for this month’s Chapter Meeting as Master Naturalist and entomology specialist Erika Swyryn explores the fascinating, often misunderstood world of native arachnids—sharing incredible insights into their biology, behavior, and vital ecological role on the prairie! 🌾
Tarantulas: So Awesome
Learn about tarantula biology, variety, habitat, predation, and defense mechanisms, as well as the native species found right here in North Texas! Whether you find them slightly intimidating or endlessly captivating, this presentation will bust common myths, highlight their evolutionary adaptations, and showcase how these gentle giants contribute to the health of our local ecosystems.
About Our Speaker: Erika Swyryn
Erika holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and brings a deep passion for native flora and fauna to her work. She is both a certified Texas Master Naturalist and a Texas Master Gardener, and has earned her Volunteer Advanced Entomology Training Certification through the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Through her hands-on field experience, teaching, and community outreach, Erika is dedicated to making insect and arachnid science accessible, engaging, and fun for naturalists of all experience levels.
Help Keep Our Chapter Meeting Snack Table Thriving! 🥨
As our chapter continues to grow, so does our love for sharing a bite together! To keep this welcoming tradition going, we invite you to bring a small snack to share—whether store-bought, homemade, sweet, or savory, every contribution makes our meetings more enjoyable. If you’re able to help out at an upcoming gathering, please sign up below to help us build a more connected community!
Sign Up Genius: 2026 Snack Donations
When: 7:00 PM
Click here to view our Calendar.
- SRC Doors will open at 6:30 PM
- The Zoom meeting waiting room will open at 6:45 PM
- The Business Meeting will begin at 7:00 PM
- Naturalist Talk will start at 7:30 PM (approximately)
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, past the parking lot and museum building, and continue until the road ends at the large white SRC building.
Register in advance for this Zoom meeting:
Use the email address associated with your personal Zoom account.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Z7BrnoA7R0mMCCmAg05GQQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the meeting.
Logging AT: The monthly meeting presentation will count as 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.
If you have any additional questions, please email.
Chapter Meeting Host: Marla Layne, [email protected]