Submitted by Sharla Stack, Class of 2016
How did becoming a Blackland Prairie Texas Master Naturalist impact your life?
This month we hear from Paul Napper, Class of 2015:
I became a BPTMN member in 2015. Nature and outdoor activities were always my favorite. The training class was fun and created some excitement at a time when my working career was winding down. Several areas of my life have been impacted. The people I met and got to work with and learn from were, and continue to be, such a wonderful blessing. There are so very many passionate people willing to share their interests and knowledge. I wasn’t thinking of this impact when I started my training. My mind began to explore ideas from the TMN classes. I built and installed blue bird houses. I planted several native plants and put native seed out. Trail guiding was fun, so I volunteered at various places needing trail guides. After telling my wife Cindy how much fun it was, she took the training classes and joined the chapter. We enjoy planning new flower beds that attract butterflies and bees. This has spilled over to taking our Grandchildren on nature hikes and teaching them what we can about nature. One of the coolest things I discovered is that I enjoy helping teach small children about nature. They are full of energy and love to learn. It’s really a privilege to see kids learning and laughing. I’m also learning some things from the teachers during these classes. Discovering new things all the time has made me happier in general. That’s another thing I did not know would happen when I took the BPTMN training class. So, the impact on my life has been great. Friends, learning, teaching, volunteering, and having fun.
