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.
Members
Community Engagement 2026 Events – April & May Update
Ready to make an impact? ๐ฆ Tina Burke has a full spring of Earth Day, BioBlitzes, & Mothing! Help us share the prairie love. Grab a shift today! ๐
2026 May Chapter Meeting with Braeden Duffee | Collin County Croakers!
๐ธ Is your knowledge of local amphibians a little… “croaky”? On April 23rd, join us as Braeden Duffee, Nature Preserve Manager at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, presents: Collin County Croakers! ๐ฟ Braeden will guide us through the fascinating life histories and identification of our local frogs and toads. You won’t want to miss this “un-frog-ettable” evening!๐ธ
Monarch View Park Planting April 18 2026
On April 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., weโll use the remaining funds from the second HEB grant and a chapter grant to plant the fourth phase of the project. Weโre excited to have One Earth One Chance, Frisco High School, and Centennial High School helping with this next phase.
๐ธ 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.
๐พ Volunteer Spotlight: Sarah Densmore, A Success Story in Wildlife Rehab
We celebrate our Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists for National Volunteer Month with a spotlight on our Sarah Densmore, Class of 2021, wildlife rehabilitator and Advanced Training VHAT Calendar Coordinator.
Work day at Sally Evan’s home
Susan Abernethy shared highlights and photos from our recent workday at Sally Evansโ home. A great day of habitat work and chapter camaraderie!
2026 April Chapter Meeting with Grayson Dean | Dazed and Confused
๐ฆ Are you Dazed and Confused about how artificial light affects wildlife? On April 14th, Grayson Dean will guide us through the critical impact of light pollution on migratory birds. We are thrilled to feature one of our own members for this important discussion! See you there! ๐ฆ
Lights Out, Dallas! Spring 2026 Survey
Migration season has officially arrived! ๐ฆโโฌ๐ฆ๐ฆ Here is the key information for the upcoming bird conservation surveys in Downtown Dallas. Reach out to join our daily survey teams from March 16 to May 31. Itโs a small commitment that makes a huge difference for bird conservation in Texas.
Clearing the Way for Spring: Protecting Trout Lilies in Plano Parks
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.


