Overview: City of Plano: Parks Trail Maintenance
This project focuses on protecting the biodiversity of Plano’s natural areas by removing invasive plant species that threaten native habitats. These workdays often include a “nature walk” component where volunteers explore the area after the work is complete to observe the local ecology.
- Schedule: Dates and times vary (See the VHAT Calendar for the current month’s schedule).
- Host: Jean Higgins and City of Plano Parks & Recreation.
- Locations: Rotates through various Plano natural areas, including Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, Oak Point, Hoblitzelle Park, and others. Check the calendar for specific trailhead meeting locations.
Quick Volunteer Guide
- Common Tasks: Invasive species removal (such as privet or honeysuckle), trail maintenance, and litter collection.
- What to Wear: For safety, you must wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves.
- What to Bring: * Gear: Work gloves and eye protection (required for brush work).
- Tools: Saws and clippers.
- Personal Care: Water, sunscreen, and bug spray.
- Supplies: Plastic grocery bags are often needed for litter collection.
VMS Logging & Registration
- Log Opportunity: City of Plano: Parks Trail Maintenance and Invasive Plant Removal
- Log Description: You must enter the specific Park Location (e.g., “Arbor Hills”) and a summary of the work done (e.g., “Removed invasive privet and cleared litter from trails”).
- Contact: Jean Higgins ([email protected]).
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.
Thursday 9/18 – Plano Oak Point Park Plant Rescue
If you need plants for your own project, this is the perfect opportunity—join us on Thursday, September 18th at 8:00 – 11:00 AM! There’s an excellent supply of green milkweed, along with several other native species.
Plano Park – July Updates from Project Leader Jean Higgins
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. Plano has provided valuable assistance with follow-up herbicide treatments in cut areas and has been a true partner in helping us reach long-term restoration goals.
Plano Park – June Updates from Project Leader Jean Higgins
Over the past several months, teams have cleared large volumes of this aggressive invader from the park’s natural areas. Privet creates dense thickets that crowd out native species, reduce biodiversity, and degrade wildlife habitat. By removing it, we are opening space for native grasses, wildflowers, trees and shrubs to thrive again—restoring balance to the landscape and supporting healthier ecosystems.
City of Plano Parks & Rec and the Blackland Priarie Master Naturalists invite you to join us at Plano Oak Point Park for a Mothing Bioblitz this Saturday!
Discover the nocturnal world at our Mothing BioBlitz on Saturday, June 14, 8-11 PM, at Plano Oak Point Park! Use UV lights to record insects for a “species snapshot” via the iNaturalist app. Special guest: Sam Kieschnick, Urban Biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Join us for this fascinating outdoor event!
Plano Mothing Event Saturday, June 15th with TPWD Sam Kieschnick
Michelle Connally, Class of 2018 – Come join us for a summer night of Mothing Saturday, June 15th at Sunset with the amazing TPWD Sam Kieschnick in Plano at Oak Point Park.
Plano Park Project Update
Jean Higgins, Class of 2023 – Excitement is brewing in Plano as we kick off our groundbreaking Plano Parks project with a bang! Our inaugural workday at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve saw an incredible turnout of 17 enthusiastic individuals, braving the cold to make a monumental difference.
Bald eagle spotted in Plano
Submitted by Leah Justice, Class of 2021 – Sue Makuta, Class of 2021 saw Daniel Miranda, Class of 2023 on the news talking about the Eagle spotted at Oak Point Park. Here is the clip we can share! Exciting!
Plano Parks and Recreation Summer Mothing Event – June 17, 2023
Leah Justice, 2021 – Plano Parks and Recreation and the Blackland Prairie Texas Master Naturalist Chapter partnered up for a Summer Mothing Event with Sam Kieschnick on Saturday, June 17th It was precisely the kind of night you would hope for to attract the moths, hot and humid! Despite the sweltering heat, a large crowd of about 120-130 people assembled.
Plano Parks Mothing Event with Sam Kieschnick
Michelle Connally, 2018 – Bring the entire family and neighborhood to Plano Parks Mothing Event at the Oak Point Park Pavilion.
Sam Kieschnick and crew will help us identify the Lepidoptera family and report our sightings to iNaturalist.