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.
General
Thoughts From Behind the Viewfinder Vol 3. Part 2
John W. Garbutt, Class of 2019- Around Thanksgiving the autumn color reaches its late and brief climax. I hope to use the canvas nature provides as a backdrop for the ducks on the pond.
Park by Park – Surveying the Trees of North Texas
Written by Jerry Hambly, Elm Fork Chapter – Park by Park – Surveying the Trees of North Texas -This engaging and informative article by Jerry Hamby from the Elm Fork Chapter elaborates on several tree surveys lead by Rick Travis at Coppell Nature Park, Beulah Acres, LISDOLA Pratt Nature Preserve and Grand Park. Jerry delves into all aspects of Rick Travis’s work as a Naturalist, shedding light on his contributions to environmental stewardship and the nurturing of a new generation of naturalists. If you want to join Rick in his Tree surveys, contact him at [email protected].
April 17, 2024
Spring has arrived and events are blooming! We have tons of iNaturalist BioBlitzes all over the county. We wanted a Mothing BioBlitz, and we got one coming up in Frisco’s… Read More →
2024 May Chapter Meeting with Jeff Witt | Wild Frisco!
Jeff Witt, Natural Resources Manager for the City of Frisco’s Parks and Recreation Department. Come and hear about the activities and sites that await you in the “wilds” of Frisco! You will learn about the how the city balances the demands of development with the protection of its natural resources and what the future looks like for this fast-growing community.
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.
Erwin Park – Prairie in Bloom Guided Tours
Mary Abercrombie, Class of 2022 – Prairie in Bloom Guided Tours in April at Erwin Park with Special Tour Guides, our very own Blackland Prairie Texas Master Naturalists, space is limited, RSVP using the Sign-Up Genius link.
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.
Thoughts From Behind the Viewfinder Vol 3.
John W. Garbutt- Class of 2019- When the end of October nears, my thoughts are not of candy and costumes but of the waterfowl arriving to North Texas. In the midst of suburbia, it seems that every branded neighborhood or park contains artificial bodies of water or ponds fed by diverting water from an existing creek. In doing this, “we” have unintentionally, or perhaps sometimes with purpose, created a plethora of winter homes for waterfowl seeking respite from the frozen bodies of water in which they were raised.
Native Bees – What’s the buzz?
Vicki Sanders, Class of 2023 – Everyone is familiar with the Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) because it provides us with honey and is a pollinator of many plants. But did you know that it is not indigenous to North America? We have around 4,000 bees that are indigenous to our continent; and in Texas there are at least 1,100 native bee species, possibly up to 1,500. Unlike honeybees, our native bees struggle when they cannot find native plants which provide their primary sources of nectar and pollen.