Greg Tonian, 2017 –
The Trinity River Valley of North Texas drew us all here,
Though we did not realize it.
We may not know how or why,
Perhaps it was for a glimpse of a Buckeye?
John Neely Bryan built a cabin on a Trinity River bluff
He founded Dallas in the 1840’s.
Dreams were grand, but times were tough.
When I drove out in ‘85, I asked myself,
Where are all the trees?
Rhonda Sanchez, 2019 & Outreach Director – Here are photos from the 2022 City of Anna Earth Day Event.
By Leah Justice, 2021 – As a newer member of the chapter, I volunteered for many different activities throughout the past year in order to broaden my knowledge. I have worked in prairies at different times of the year, learned about tree surveying, and planted trees.
By Paulette Planko, 2021 – I’m a member of the 2021 class. I have been volunteering mostly at
Erwin Park in McKinney, at the Heard Nature Preserve, and at Clymer
Nature Preserve. I’ve enjoyed projects that include prairie
restoration, native garden maintenance, butterfly pinning, and working
with children at the Heard.
Tasha Patterson, 2020 and 2021 Class Representative – I also do first Saturday trail guiding at Blackland Prairie Raptor Center. My favorite thing about being a part of the BPTMN is that every single person I have encountered is willing to share their knowledge and passion to help me grow in my pursuits.
Lorrie Mathers, 2021 –
I’m a Texan by choice!
I grew up in a small farming community in South-Western Ontario (Canada not California) spending much of my time outdoors, not sure if that was by choice or by circumstance.
Andy Hudson, 2018 – I was in Class 2018. People can usually find me serving out at Erwin Park or the 2 newer green spaces at Gray Branch and McKinney Greens. I live in McKinney, so that keeps me enjoying the fellowship and lively personalities of our Blackland Prairie chapter.
Tom Shackelford, 2018 and Past President (2020-2021)
I was born in Great Bend, Kansas and grew up farming and raising cattle along the Santa Fe Trail on land south of the Arkansas River, from Fort Larned to Dodge City. I did not realize it at the time but our home and the pasture lands where we grazed cattle were undeveloped, never used for agriculture beyond grazing and composed of western wheatgrass, blue grama, prairie three awn, little blue stem – native mixed prairie lands. This was my “Playground.”
Sarah Densmore, 2021 My major volunteer areas are with the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, where I am the Volunteer Coordinator, and with Texas Metro Wildlife Rehabilitation (I’ve submitted an application… Read More →
