Rick Travis, 2018 – The article tells the story of how the remnant Smiley-Woodfin Prairie will be preserved versus being eliminated by the construction of a solar power farm. The company, Orsted developing the solar farm and the Nature Conservancy recently reached an agreement that will preserve about 1000 acres of the prairie.
Members
Native Bees of Texas Illustrations by Katie McElroy
Michelle Connally, 2018 – There was a bonus at the end of the January 2023 Chapter meeting, like icing on a cupcake. Everyone was handed a tri fold hand out of the Native Bees of Texas, Illustrated by Katie McElroy, this was her project instead of a presentation. Katie used her artistic skills to demonstrate what she learned about Native Bees. She did such a great job, I wanted to share her work with everyone not at the meeting as well as Texas native bee seekers in the future.
Texas Master Naturalists, Blackland Prairie Chapter
Rick Travis, 2018 –
2022 was an eventful year for the Blackland Prairie Master Naturalist Chapter! The Covid scourge FINALLY began to loosen its grip on us, and as the year progressed, we began transitioning back to in-person chapter meetings, classes, and volunteer activities. Online meetings helped keep us stitched together in 2020 and 2021, but (in my humble opinion) there’s no substitute for in-the-flesh gatherings.
Our Tribe’s Fortune 250 Hours – Lisa Runyon
Lisa Runyon, 2015 – I’ve stayed involved in BPTMN because our chapter does two things well. First, our chapter excels in providing quality advanced training opportunities including the speakers at our monthly meetings. They have raised my awareness and inspired me in so many ways. Because of advanced training, I continue to grow as a naturalist. Secondly, our chapter does a great job of providing a wide variety of volunteer opportunities to choose from.
Our Tribe’s Fortune 500 Hours – Charlise Hill-Larson
Charlise Hill-Larson, 2019 – My interests as a Master Naturalist includes birding, native landscapes and helping others to experience the wonder, beauty and healing power of the natural world. I spend the majority my volunteer time as a trail guide and a birder, though to be honest, serving as the Chapter VP is the volunteer work that has helped me to reach 500 hours.
Our Tribe’s Fortune 500 Hours – Sue Makuta
Susan Makuta, 2021 –
I volunteer at a variety of places and activities: Blackland Prairie Raptor Center – Rehab; and events; Heard Nature Preserve – Gardens, Butterfly House, trail guide and Special events; Heritage Farmstead Native Garden; PISD Holifield Science Learning Center – Animal Room and Field Trip Guide. Within the chapter, I am on the Training Committee, Hospitality Committee and the Natureabilty Committee.