VH – Heard Sanctuary Restoration & Preservation Projects

Hello Blackland Prairie Chapter!

Looking for a volunteer opportunity that will get you outside in the fresh air?  Have we got a deal for you!  You can spend Friday mornings on the beautiful Heard Sanctuary helping to maintain areas that need vegetation removal.  Find out more below!

Event:  Heard Sanctuary Restoration & Preservation Projects

Date:  Fridays

Time:  8:00-11:00 AM

Description:  The Heard Sanctuary is seeking volunteers to assist in the restoration and preservation of multiple sanctuary projects at the Heard. This is an existing project that has been in place for some time and there is now a renewed effort to address opportunities. This is available to any interested individual and is a great way for interested Master Naturalists to earn volunteer hours.

Work Plan: 

Cedar Brake Forest

1. Remove dead or sick trees from Cedar Brake Forest area to:
2. Make room in the canopy for healthy cedars to grow fuller foliage.
3. Stop the spread of fungus and disease from sick trees to healthy trees
4. Ultimately preserve the strange anomaly that exists on Cedar Brake Trail

Privet Removal

Remove Japanese, Chinese and Quihoi privets from the sanctuary, primarily in the areas adjacent to the second impoundment and Ken’s Prairie. All species of Asian privets are detrimental to the health of these forest areas and choke out vital understory plants that are desired.

Sapling and brush removal from prairie sites

1. Remove the masses of willows and cotton wood saplings from the wetland meadow near the start of Wood Duck boardwalk.
2. Remove the excessive dogwood and hog plum thickets that have taken over the prairie adjacent to the bird banding station.

Other Information: 

• Interested Master Naturalists must first be registered Heard volunteers, who have submitted background checks, filled out necessary liability waivers and completed / passed the orientation that the Heard requires for all volunteers. Link to volunteer application.
• Volunteers are not allowed to use Heard gas-powered equipment due to liability issues. The Heard will provide hand-tools.
• Your safety and the safety of those volunteering with you is our priority. Contingent upon demonstration of proper knowledge of equipment, functionality, and safe use, you may bring your own personal chainsaw, reciprocating saw or other power equipment. We want all volunteers to feel included and engaged which is why we allow the option for people to bring their own tools.
• Volunteers may encounter any of the following while in the sanctuary: Thorns, briars, poison ivy, mud, stinging insects, spiders, snakes, and other wildlife native to Collin County. Everyone should expect to potentially encounter resident wildlife in and on the sanctuary and keep in mind “you are a visitor in their home”.

Location: 

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary

1 Nature Place, McKinney, TX 75069

GET DRIVING DIRECTIONS

Meet at:  Meet at employee parking area/workshop (drive past visitor parking lot and museum building, take next right into employee parking area.

Dress:  Routine dress code for activity in the field: Long-pants, boots/close-toed shoes; long-sleeved shirts are recommended.  Master Naturalists should wear their name badges.

Bring:  Drinking water, gloves, sunscreen, insect repellant and face mask (just in case).  The Heard will also provide drinking water.

Contacts (Heard):

Spencer Dudas – sdudas@heardmuseum.org (work plan questions)

Laura Ragan – volunteers@heardmuseum.org (volunteer application/orientation)

Contact (BPTMN):  Tom Shackelford – toms@bptmn.org

Parking:  Employee parking area (see information above)

Logging VH: 

Log volunteer hours as Heard: Garden, Trail, Wildscape Maintenance. 

Log orientation as AT: Volunteer Training to Support Partners

Links for more information:  https://www.heardmuseum.org/

Linda Nixon
BPTMN Communications Director