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.
Current News
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.
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.
BPC Library Update Wish List
Linder O’Rourke, Class of 2023 – Below is a partial list of books suggested by Nancy Casillas, incoming Class Director of our chapter for 2024-25, for the updating of our lending library. If you have any of these books and would like to donate them to our chapter library, please let us know.
NTMWD Green Stormwater Infrastructure Workshops
David Cowan, North Texas Municipal Water District – The North Texas Municipal Water District, Texas A&M AgriLife and the City of McKinney are excited to extend an invitation to you for our upcoming workshops on Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI).
As our urban areas continue to expand, managing stormwater runoff effectively has become increasingly critical to mitigate flooding, protect water quality, and enhance overall environmental sustainability. Green Stormwater Infrastructure offers a holistic approach that integrates natural systems with engineered solutions to manage stormwater in a more sustainable and cost-effective manner.
Day of Advanced Training at Hagerman NWR for Blackland Prairie Chapter Members
Patricia Crain, Friends of Hagerman – An AT Experience at Hagerman NWR Saturday, June 8th
Come and enjoy a day in the largest natural space in North Texas. Explore hundreds of acres of wildflowers, five hiking trails, plentiful buntings, deafening Dickcissels and a tours of our Butterfly Garden with docents to help identify plants and butterflies.
Spring is Coming to the Frankford Prairie
Julia Koch, NTMN – Spring is coming to Frankford Prairie… and so is the spring Prairie tour (April 13th 4:00-6:00) as well as our spring concert April 29th @ 6:30.
Clymer Meadow 2024 Spring Tours
Don’t miss your chance to walk among the wildflowers at TNC’s picturesque 1,475-acre Clymer Meadow Preserve, which contains one of the last remnants of the Blackland Prairie—an imperiled ecosystem comprised of numerous bird, butterfly, and wildflower species.
March 18, 2024
Michelle Connally, Class of 2018 – This bi-weekly newsletter will provide: Vicki Sander’s Eclipse 101 Online Deep Dive,
Review of the President’s chapter business portion of the recent meeting,
Eclipse Information Page and Links to Local Events,
Shaking the Trees Project Spotlight – Clymer Meadow & their Spring Tours Information and a Plano Park Project Update.
Project Spotlight – Clymer Meadow with Eclipse details and Spring Tour Dates
Michelle Connally, Class of 2018 – If you live in North Texas, you should visit the Clymer Meadow. It is a 1,475 acre of majestic Blackland Prairie managed by the Nature Conservancy. There is no better time to visit than the spring with the nice weather and gorgeous wildflowers. Our Blackland Prairie Chapter members have monthly and quarterly workdays available. 1st Thursdays, 3rd Wednesdays and Feb, June, Sept and Nov 4th Saturdays.