Migration season has officially arrived! 🐦⬛🦉🦜 Here is the key information for the upcoming bird conservation surveys in Downtown Dallas. Reach out to join our daily survey teams from March 16 to May 31. It’s a small commitment that makes a huge difference for bird conservation in Texas.
Shaking the Trees
Clearing the Way for Spring: Protecting Trout Lilies in Plano Parks
One primary focus has been the removal of privet (Ligustrum spp.), an aggressive non-native shrub that threatens native plant diversity and degrades habitat for wildlife. With support from Plano Parks and Recreation, our volunteers have been able to expand efforts.
The Humble Bee of Harriet, Texas
When BPTMN’s Arica Shields (Class of ’22) found a lethargic Sonora Bumblebee in Harriett, TX, she stepped up as a member of the “royal guard.” From hand-feeding sugar water to providing a cozy overnight greenhouse stay, it’s a sweet story of a human-bee connection. Read how Arica helped a future colony thrive!
Letter to A Friend
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.”
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.”
Cooper’s Hawk
Remember the ‘white aliens’ of 2020? 👽 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.
The Texas Bluebonnet
We’re dusting off this fan-favorite article to inspire you for the next bluebonnet season. Learn why these rock-hard seeds need a little “tough love” to bloom, why 8 hours of sun is the magic number, and how a half-eaten cantaloupe can be your best organic pest control. 🍈
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.
Focus on the Future!
Is your old pair of binoculars feeling a little “out of focus” on your shelf? Give your retired gear a second life! We’re collecting gently used binoculars to help the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center teach the next generation of birders how to spot their first hawk. Your “old” glass could be a kid’s “new” favorite hobby.
Experiencing Nature through Eco Explorers
Guiding Girl Scouts through our Eco Explorer program creates “Aha!” moments through hands-on discovery. From tracking wildlife to tasting sumac, BPTMN volunteers help youth earn badges while fostering deep conservation values. With registrations filling fast, your help “ices the cake” for these new environmental stewards.
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