Lisa Travis, 2024 BPTMN Training Director – We’re thrilled to share the news of the successful completion of training for the Blackland Prairie Chapter Class of 2024! The Landing at Myers Park was packed with over 150 guests who joined us in celebrating their achievements.
City of McKinney Plant Resue!
Mary Abercrombie, Class of 2022 – Wearing her Environmental Outreach & Engagement Coordinator for Environmental Services, Office of Environmental Sustainability, City of McKinney Hat:
We need our Chapter’s help with a Plant Rescue Event.
May 3, 2024
BPTMN Newsletter – May 3, 2024 Hello Blackland Prairie Chapter Members, Additional Naturalist events are available, and we do not want you to miss out! Read about our special “NOTE”… Read More →
Scissor-tailed (Butter) Flycatcher
Balaji Devarajan, Class of 2022 – Scissor-tailed Flycatchers have taken residence near the fields by my house, and I spend hours watching them!
When I told these birds I am a Texas Master Naturalist, they challenged me with a butterfly ID quiz!
I guessed 6 out of 8 correct.
Nick Nixon, a Master Naturalist and a Wilderness Lover
Linda Nixon, Class of 2018 – Nick, who passed away on April 22, 2024, at the age of 75, was an Air Force Veteran from 1969-1974, a Master Naturalist, a wilderness volunteer, and a loving husband. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2017, but he did not let that stop him from pursuing his passions and sharing them with his wife.
Friends of Hagerman NWR Choctaw Cultural Day
Patricia Crain – Join us for a fun-filled Saturday on May 11th at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge as we celebrate the heritage of the third-largest Indigenous peoples of the United States. The Choctaw Cultural Center will bring several activities and exhibits to Hagerman NWR: show and tell cultural artifacts, weapons tables, stickball demonstrations, atlatl demonstrations, dance, and other activities will be presented by the Native American Choctaws.
Toxic Plants
Susan Abernethy, Class of 2018 – My HOA asked me to assist them in identifying whether certain plants on their grant proposal list might be toxic to children and pets. The city of Plano required this information on their neighborhood beautification project grant proposal. I was able to research native plants they plan to use that might be considered toxic from two books.
National Volunteer Week 2024
The Blackland Prairie Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists stands as a testament to the power of volunteerism and its ability to bring about positive change in the community. The dedication of volunteers not only enriches the environment but also fosters a sense of unity and purpose among its members. It’s the passion and energy of individuals like you that fuel the success of conservation efforts and inspire others to join in the mission to educate others and conserve the natural beauty of Texas. As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, let’s continue to nurture this spirit of service and commitment to the environment. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the Blackland Prairie and beyond.
Park by Park – Surveying the Trees of North Texas
Written by Jerry Hambly, Elm Fork Chapter – Park by Park – Surveying the Trees of North Texas -This engaging and informative article by Jerry Hamby from the Elm Fork Chapter elaborates on several tree surveys lead by Rick Travis at Coppell Nature Park, Beulah Acres, LISDOLA Pratt Nature Preserve and Grand Park. Jerry delves into all aspects of Rick Travis’s work as a Naturalist, shedding light on his contributions to environmental stewardship and the nurturing of a new generation of naturalists. If you want to join Rick in his Tree surveys, contact him at rickt@bptmn.org.
April 17, 2024
Spring has arrived and events are blooming! We have tons of iNaturalist BioBlitzes all over the county. We wanted a Mothing BioBlitz, and we got one coming up in Frisco’s… Read More →