Rick Travis, 2018 – On July 30, our chapter celebrated National Mothing Week with our first BPTMN Mothing Event at Connemara Meadow, and it was a real treat for all those that attended!
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Erwin Park
David Powell, 2007 – Even in August with no rain and heat our team is at Erwin Park on Monday mornings. Yes we do clear underbrush from the tree lines within the circle and cut trees out in the prairie and that is all a beneficial contribution to the beauty of the place. It has always been as important for those of who are working to spend time examining the natural growth in the prairie. We enjoy this time to share our knowledge and learn from each other as we wonder amongst the vegetation.
Our Tribe’s Fortune 2500 Hours – Lisa Travis
Lisa Travis, 2018 and 2022-2023 New Class Director – I retired from teaching in 2017, but still have a passion for learning and sharing what I’ve learned.
Our Tribe’s Fortune 1000 Hours – Rick Park
Rick Park, 2020 – I was a member of the class of 2020. My introduction to the master naturalist program came from Bob Mione who I had been working with on restoration projects at the Connemara meadows.
Our Tribe’s Fortune 500 – Nancy Riggs
Nancy Riggs, 2021 – I love being a TMN!! I love everything outdoors! I am into birds and volunteer on Tuesday at Hagerman for the Bird Census.
Our Tribe’s Fortune 250 Hours – Rhonda Sanchez
Rhonda Sanchez, 2019 and 2021-2022 Outreach Director – My favorite volunteer activities are outreach for the Chapter, the Heard Museum and for LLELA.
My New Best Friend: Merlin Sound ID
Jean Suplick, 2018 and 2020-2021 New Class Director –
Have you ever stepped outside on a fine morning, closed your eyes for a few moments, and taken in the soundscape? No doubt you will hear some human-generated sounds like tires on pavement, jets droning by overhead or maybe playing children. But wait. Hold on. Was that a bird you just heard?
Erwin Park – Hawk’s Nest
Shari Navarette, 2018 and Chapter Photographer – In the early spring of 2021, while Covid kept most of us home, I spent a lot of time with my camera at the Heard Museum, at Hagerman NWR, and at Erwin Park. One morning at Erwin, while the trees were still bare, I spotted a pair of hawks at a nest. One was sitting on the nest, the other kept it’s mate company just off to the side. I watched for a while.
Our Tribe’s Fortune 2500 Hours – Beverly Carpenter
Beverly Carpenter, 2013 –
The Blackland Prairie Master Naturalist program seemed the perfect place for me to pursue my personal interest in life-long learning after my career in education. BPTMN was an opportunity to learn more about the environment around me and contribute through volunteering.
2022 Heard Plant Sale
Deborah Canterbury, 2014 and Past President – More than 10,00 plants unloaded, cataloged, labeled and placed according to scientific name in 4 days for this years’ 36th Heard Plant Sale. It is one of the longest-running, largest, and best native plant sales in the state. BPTMN members play a big role in the pre-sale preparation and in helping customers choose the proper native plants for their gardens.