A vibrant native habitat is truly taking shape at Monarch View Park! This dream is becoming a reality thanks to the incredible collaboration of Blackland Prairie Chapter Project Lead, Laura Kuwayama, the City of Frisco Parks department, dedicated local volunteers, the North American Telugu Society (NATS), and the Blackland Prairie Master Naturalists. With vital support from an H-E-B Pollinator Grant, Monarch Park now has a beautiful array of native species like Little Bluestem, Baptisia australis, and Wild Bergamot. These efforts are creating a crucial space for pollinators to thrive right here in Frisco!
General
My Favorite Things through the Four Seasons: Spring
John W. Garbutt- Class of 2019- It was near the end of February when my sister brought up the imminent arrival of Barn Swallows. Usually the first migrant, the avian harbinger of spring arrives in early March. A couple of years previous, I had seen my first one on the last day of February. It was a day or two later that my sister had the same experience with a February Barn Swallow.
Deep Dive on Blackland Prairie Texas Master Naturalists Pollinator Gardens: 2025
Join us on August 18th, at 7 PM CST for a Deep Dive, with Susan Abernathy presenting on Blackland Prairie Texas Master Naturalists Pollinator Gardens: 2025.
BPTMN Newsletter – July 20, 2025
Hello Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists Welcome to your freshest update from the Blackland Prairie Master Naturalists! This newsletter is truly “blooming” with information. We’ve got the lowdown… Read More →
Plano Park – July Updates from Project Leader Jean Higgins
One primary focus has been the removal of privet (Ligustrum spp.), an aggressive non-native shrub that threatens native plant diversity and degrades habitat for wildlife. With support from Plano Parks and Recreation, our volunteers have been able to expand efforts. Plano has provided valuable assistance with follow-up herbicide treatments in cut areas and has been a true partner in helping us reach long-term restoration goals.
2025 August Chapter Meeting with Rick Travis | Riparian Rock Stars: Trees of North Texas Highly Prized by Wildlife
Join us Tuesday, July 8 at 7:00 PM for an engaging discussion with Rick Travis of key native trees found in north Texas that are highly utilized by wildlife, reviewing their physical characteristics, where they range, preferred habitat, natural history, and their value to the woodland ecosystem.
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge: A Haven of Nature and Opportunity
The Friends of Hagerman NWR offer many volunteer for Texas Master Naturalists, all of which have been approved for AT or VH in the Blackland Prairie chapter. Visit friendsofhagerman.org/tmn for… Read More →
Plano Park – June Updates from Project Leader Jean Higgins
Over the past several months, teams have cleared large volumes of this aggressive invader from the park’s natural areas. Privet creates dense thickets that crowd out native species, reduce biodiversity, and degrade wildlife habitat. By removing it, we are opening space for native grasses, wildflowers, trees and shrubs to thrive again—restoring balance to the landscape and supporting healthier ecosystems.
Our Tribe’s Fortune 250 Hours – Trent Schultze, Class of 2019
Trent Schultze, a dedicated member of the Class of 2019, proudly achieved his 250 volunteer hours. He earned most of these hours as a trail guide at LLELA, leading monthly nature hikes and assisting with the popular full moon hikes. There’s something truly special about being in the woods or on the trail at night, and Trent’s commitment not only enriches the experiences of countless nature enthusiasts but also exemplifies the spirit of community service.
Visit our Community Engagement Booth at these upcoming events!
Curious about local wildlife and conservation? Come say hello at the BPTMN Community Engagement Booth! Catch us at the Heard Museum, the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, and the Mothing event at Connemara. We can’t wait to see you there!