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Shaking of the Trees Post

MembersShaking of the Trees Post

Our Tribe’s Fortune 1,000 Hours – Sue Makuta

Sue Makuta, Class of 2021 – There is a saying, “Bloom where you are planted.”  I was born and raised in Colorado.  I grew up in Cheyenne Canyon in the foothills of Colorado Springs.  Being outside, exploring the canyons, raising gardens with my grandparents and mom, and enjoying nature were my playgrounds and activities. 

09/29/2023

GeneralLegacyMembersShaking of the Trees PostTraining Class

The historical record for the Collin County Texas Master Naturalist Chapter – THE BLACKLAND PRAIRIE CHAPTER OF THE TEXAS MASTER NATURALISTS

Donna Cole, Class of 2006 – We did hold our first class that February of 2006, and with over twenty new members we could qualify for ‘chapterhood’ and became THE BLACKLAND PRAIRIE CHAPTER OF THE TEXAS MASTER NATURALISTS!

09/20/2023

GeneralMembersShaking of the Trees Post

In my backyard? Are you kidding?

Sam Crowe, Class of 2021 – For years, I have been trimming shrubs and pulling out vines that have been determined to take over everything in my yard. That changed a little this year.

One day, I glanced out the window and saw what looked like a Gulf Fritillary laying eggs on one of the vines. For the next few days, I paid more attention to the area, and every day, Gulf Fritillary would stop by.

09/20/2023

MembersShaking of the Trees Post

Continued Observations of a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Colony

John W. Garbutt, Class of 2019 – On May 1st I set out to observe the herons hunting along the edge of the pond. I anticipated that with mouths to feed in the colony, I would find a lot of heron activity at sunrise. I laid on the ground using a Bald Cypress as a blind and its roots as a tripod as I awaited a heron to work its way toward me.

09/20/2023

GeneralMembersShaking of the Trees Post

Western Honey Bee’s in Tom’s backyard

Tom Shackelford, Class of 2018 – These Western Honey Bees have been working hard and enjoying the bird bath recently placed nearby for fresh water.

09/20/2023

MembersShaking of the Trees Post

If I were

Greg Tonian, Class of 2017 – If I were… Poem – A reflection on a Labor Day Weekend Backpacking Adventure on the 29-mile Eagle Rock Loop In Arkansas in The Ouachita National Forest.

09/20/2023

MembersShaking of the Trees Post

Protecting Our Water through Stream Team Monitoring

Vicki Sanders, Class of 2022 – Tom Heath is a great example of how we show our love of water by conducting regular testing. He has been a member of Texas Stream Team since 2005. He started out as an advocate for clean water as a member of For The Love of the Lake with White Rock Lake since 2003 and jumped on the opportunity to become more engaged by taking the Standard Core Testing Training offered by Texas Stream Team by the City of Dallas.

08/07/2023

GeneralMembersShaking of the Trees Post

Observations of a Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Colony

John W. Garbutt, Class of 2019 – March was winding down. The morning was cool, which made for a lovely morning to make another attempt at locating the Cooper’s Hawks’ nest in the riparian area of the park. I finally found it on the 26th. It turned out that the Hawks were renovating the previous year’s construction. Excited with the discovery, I decided to head down the path to scout where the Yellow-crowned Night-Heron pair nested the previous year near the creek.

07/30/2023

Annual EventsShaking of the Trees Post

2nd Annual BPTMN Mothing Event at Connemara Preserve – July 22, 2023

Michelle Connally, 2018 – The Connemara meadow provided a serene backdrop as the sun set on our annual Summer event. Bob Mione, the Connemara Restoration Manager, talked with guests about the meadow. Five mothing setups were presented by Rick and Lisa Travis, Jean and Michael Suplick, Melanie Schuchart, and Patrick Pilarski.

07/27/2023

MembersNew Class TrainingShaking of the Trees Post

Our Tribe’s Fortune 1000 Hours – Fran Woodfin

Fran Woodin, 2007 – “. I was intrigued and decided to sign up. I have always been interested in nature and have degrees in biology and botany.”

07/03/2023

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