When BPTMN’s Arica Shields (Class of ’22) found a lethargic Sonora Bumblebee in Harriett, TX, she stepped up as a member of the “royal guard.” From hand-feeding sugar water to providing a cozy overnight greenhouse stay, it’s a sweet story of a human-bee connection. Read how Arica helped a future colony thrive!
Current News
Monarch View Park Update: Building a Prairie Together
Laura Kuwayama, Class of 2020 – Monarch View Park is undergoing an incredible transformation. Thanks to HEB grants, City of Frisco and the hard work of volunteers, Want to be part of Phase 4? Join us on April 18th (9 AM – 12 PM) as we keep the momentum going.
Last Saturday Workday – Green Gardens at Gabe Nesbitt Park
Join us for the Last Saturday Workday in Green Gardens at Gabe Nesbitt Park! We offer hands-on opportunities focused on native and drought-tolerant gardening, composting, water conservation, and general garden maintenance.
Spring 2026 Stream Team Training
Become a Citizen Scientist! 🌊 Join Crystal Flannery-Bachicha and Lauren Kraus for Texas Stream Team training Date & Location TBD. You’ll learn to monitor local water quality and collect vital data used by the TCEQ and EPA to protect our waterways.
🐦 Valentine’s Event! ❤️ Feb 13-16: Great Backyard Bird Count 2026
Spend time with your VALENTINE! ❤️ in your favorite places watching birds Feb 13-16—then tell us about them! In as little as 15 minutes notice the birds around you.
Cooper’s Hawk
Remember the ‘white aliens’ of 2020? 👽 For this week’s Flashback Friday, we’re revisiting John Garbutt’s wonderful chronicle of a Cooper’s Hawk family—from incubation to the surprise discovery of ‘Thing 5.’ It’s a beautiful reminder of the magic we find when we slow down and observe.
Community Engagement Spring 2026 Events
Ready to make an impact? 🦋 Community Engagement Director Tina Burke has already lined up a season full of outreach, from McKinney plant swaps to “Night on the Prairie” in Lucas. We’re looking for volunteers to join the team and help us share our love for the Blackland Prairie.
Class of 2025 Bioblitz Activity at Hagerman NWR
From local ecology insights with Dr. Wayne Meyer to a high-energy treasure hunt, our recent reunion at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge had it all. Despite the elusive bald eagles, the breathtaking Snow Geese and friendly competition made for an unforgettable day on the trails.
Move over chiggers, there is a new ITCH in town!
Picture source: Wikipedia, Pyemotes herfsi
Focus on the Future!
Is your old pair of binoculars feeling a little “out of focus” on your shelf? Give your retired gear a second life! We’re collecting gently used binoculars to help the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center teach the next generation of birders how to spot their first hawk. Your “old” glass could be a kid’s “new” favorite hobby.