Join us to help create a thriving native plant pollinator garden! We’ll be installing 400+ native plants and removing weeds to support local habitat.
Shaking the Trees
Time To Restore Project
The Time To Restore project (TTR), led by the USA National Phenology Network and covering the states of Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Louisiana, is gathering long‐term data on the timing of flowering and fruiting of plants on their native plant priority species list. The project seeks to generate better information about native plant nectar availability and seed production timings to help those working on pollinator restoration to better know what to plant and when to best harvest seeds.
Colmena Ranch Native Prairie Plants Rescue
Over the past seven months, the group has salvaged approximately 550 plants from 59 different species, along with collecting seeds from several others. This crucial effort will help restore local habitats, preserve regional biodiversity, and support native wildlife. The chapter is grateful for the landowner’s support and hopes this project serves as a model for future conservation opportunities.
Rooted in Paulette: The First Books & Blooms Library Blooms at Green Gardens
Mary Abercrombie, Class of 2020 – Books & Blooms, a new passive engagement program that reimagines Little Free Libraries as vibrant community touchpoints for ecological literacy and neighborhood beauty.
Our very first Books & Blooms installation is now blooming at the Green Gardens of McKinney at Gabe Nesbitt Park, and we couldn’t have asked for a better partner to bring this pilot to life than Paulette Platko, local artist, garden steward, and Texas Master Naturalist with the Blackland Prairie Chapter.
Barbara Hibberd’s Pocket Prairie
What began as a hopeful rescue of a discarded Evening Primrose plant twenty years ago blossomed into a cherished, enduring “pocket prairie” that returns to Barb’s front yard year after year.
Congratulations Blackland Prairie Chapter Class of 2025!
A hearty congratulations to the Texas Master Naturalist Class of 2025 on your graduation! Your dedication and hard work are an inspiration, and we’re so excited to welcome you to the community of stewards making a real difference for Texas’ natural wonders.
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.
Train the Trainer workshops-teaching about Monarchs any time anywhere with two posters and a stick
Carol Clark, Class of 2010 – Train the Trainer workshops-teaching about Monarchs any time anywhere with two posters and a stick. It worked! With a small starter grant from the Blackland Prairie chapter, a successful workshop series was born.
Making Your Yard A Safe Haven For Opossums And Other Wildlife
Renee Dowhaniuk, Class of 2023 – Plant bushes, trees, and vines next to your fence to allow the opossum to climb down into your yard for a visit. Once your trees mature, allow some branches with leaves to hang down upon the fence, which will become the opossum’s highway along its nightly route, visiting different yards.
Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA) Volunteer Opportunities for 2025
Angela Lewallen, Friends of LLELA – I wanted to share some updated information about the volunteer opportunities at LLELA for our BPTMN volunteers. I’ve attached a one-pager for download that lists all the events and contact information at LLELA.


