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.
Current News
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 help us document species that call McKinney home!
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. ❤️
🌱 Spring Grant Applications open until April 30th
Dust off those project ideas! The Blackland Prairie Chapter’s semi-annual grant program is officially returning for the spring season. If your project aligns with our mission of education, restoration, and conservation, this is your chance to secure chapter support.
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! 🌎
🦇 Discover the “Music of the Night” at Hagerman NWR
Join the Friends of Hagerman on May 14 for a 🦇Bat Monitoring Workshop by Dr. Bryon Clark! Learn to identify local species and see bioacoustic tech in action. ✨
A New Chapter in Youth Engagement
From “education trunks” to a Junior Master Naturalist pilot, the YES Committee is growing! Discover how we’re inspiring the next generation.
Monarch View Park Planting April 18 2026
On April 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., we’ll use the remaining funds from the second HEB grant and a chapter grant to plant the fourth phase of the project. We’re excited to have One Earth One Chance, Frisco High School, and Centennial High School helping with this next phase.
📸 Volunteer Spotlight: John W. Garbutt, A Passion for the Prairie
We celebrate our Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists for National Volunteer Month with a spotlight on our John W. Garbutt, a dedicated naturalist who uses photography and storytelling to bridge the gap between our community and the natural world.
JM Caldwell Park Pollinator Garden in Princeton
Ready to grow? 🌻 Dig in with Keep Princeton Beautiful every 2nd Saturday! Mulch, weed, and save the pollinators in Princeton. 9-11 AM. Let’s bloom! ✨