By John W. Garbutt- Class of 2019 “I wrote this in January of 2020 on a lazy Sunday afternoon while watching football and glancing out the window at the American Kestrel below.”
Shaking of the Trees Post
The Sunrise
By John W. Garbutt- Class of 2019: “From the earliest faint light of astronomical sunrise through civil sunrise, to the sun cresting the horizon; witnessing the start of a new day has always been my favorite time of day.”
Update – Last Saturday Workday – McKinney Green Gardens at Gabe Nesbitt Park
Check out these photos from our Last Saturday Workday in Green Gardens at Gabe Nesbitt Park! We offer hands-on opportunities focused on native and drought-tolerant gardening, composting, water conservation, and general garden maintenance.
Last Saturday Workday – Green Gardens at Gabe Nesbitt Park
Join us for the Last Saturday Workday in Green Gardens at Gabe Nesbitt Park! We offer hands-on opportunities focused on native and drought-tolerant gardening, composting, water conservation, and general garden maintenance.
Cooper’s Hawk
Remember the ‘white aliens’ of 2020? đź‘˝ For this week’s Flashback Friday, we’re revisiting John Garbutt’s wonderful chronicle of a Cooper’s Hawk family—from incubation to the surprise discovery of ‘Thing 5.’ It’s a beautiful reminder of the magic we find when we slow down and observe.
Class of 2025 Bioblitz Activity at Hagerman NWR
From local ecology insights with Dr. Wayne Meyer to a high-energy treasure hunt, our recent reunion at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge had it all. Despite the elusive bald eagles, the breathtaking Snow Geese and friendly competition made for an unforgettable day on the trails.
From LocalProfile: Grassroots Revival: Frisco’s Monarch View Park Becomes A Beacon For Native Restoration
In Northwest Frisco, the Blackland Prairie Restoration Project is transforming Monarch View Park from manicured turf into a thriving native landscape. Over the past year, a partnership between Play Frisco, H-E-B, and the Blackland Prairie Texas Master Naturalists has united volunteers to plant over 5,000 native plants across nearly 100 species. This community-driven effort is not only rebuilding soil health but serving as a new model for future habitat restoration throughout the city.
Kathy Boys Journaling Brochure is honored with First Place at the 2025 Texas Master Naturalists Annual Conference
Kathy created this award-winning guide to help people connect their artistic abilities with the natural world, believing that documenting nature fosters self-growth and inspires better stewardship of our planet. She promises that journaling will elevate your outdoor experience and is truly “good for your soul.”
4th Annual Connemara Mothing Event on Saturday September 13, 7pm – 9pm
Hey everyone! Get ready for a night of discovery at the 4th Annual Connemara Meadow Preserve Mothing Event on Saturday, September 13, from 7 PM to 9 PM.
Join the Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists for this free and family-friendly event. We’ll set up special lights to attract all kinds of nocturnal moths and other cool insects. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see the preserve in a whole new light and learn about these amazing creatures. We can’t wait to see you there.
From Isolation to Inspiration: Celebrating 60 Editions of Shaking the Trees
It is amazing that we are celebrating the 60th edition of Shaking the Trees. As we found ourselves thrown into the glum alienation of COVID, I thought it was imperative that we celebrate accomplishments and become familiar with the uniqueness of every member.