“Education, Restoration, Conservation”
Our Mission
The Texas Master Naturalist Program’s mission is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas.
Our Commitment to You
The Blackland Prairie Texas Master Naturalist chapter is strengthened by the diversity of our members. We are committed to providing a welcoming environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion are a core part of everything that we do. We strive to be an organization that reflects the communities we serve and encourages multiple ideas and viewpoints.
The Texas Master Naturalist program is a partnership between the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and other local partners.
Congratulations to the Blackland Prairie Chapter Class of 2025!

2025 July Chapter Meeting with Bryon Clark | Bats – Chiroptera
Vicki Sanders, Vice President

Topic: BATS–THINGS THAT DON’T GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT
Bryon will discuss how he became interested in bats, past research projects, and anecdotal stories from over 40 years of studying these interesting creatures. Bats are found throughout the world, but because of their nocturnal habits, people oftentimes have misconceptions regarding this unique group of mammals. The talk will include an overview of bat characteristics and what separates them from other groups of mammals. Specific topics discussed will include the distribution, habitats, diet, movements, and diversity of bats. Even though the presentation will focus on the species found in Texas, the talk will also include facts about bats from across the United States and throughout the world.
Speaker: Bryon Clark
Bryon Clark is a lifelong nature enthusiast with a passion for wildlife and conservation. He holds a BA in Biology from Central College, an MS from Western Illinois University, and a PhD from Kansas State University, where he studied the impact of fire and grazing on small mammals. His postdoctoral research at Oklahoma State University focused on the endangered Ozark Big-eared Bat.
For 30 years, Bryon served as a faculty member and administrator at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, teaching Mammalogy, Wildlife Management, and Conservation while securing over $14 million in grants. As an administrator, he held roles including Vice President for Academic Affairs and Interim President.
Now retired, he remains active in conservation, serving as a Texas Master Naturalist, a board member for the Texoma Audubon Society, and past president of Friends of Hagerman NWR. He has helped secure over $83,000 in environmental education grants and enjoys sharing his knowledge of mammals and nature.
When: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – 7:00 PM
Click here to view our Calendar.
- SRC Doors will open at 6:30 PM
- Zoom meeting waiting room will open at 6:45 PM
- Business Meeting will begin at 7:00 PM
- Naturalist Talk will start at 7:30 PM (approximately)
Physical Meeting Location: Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary,
1Nature Place, McKinney, TX 75069, Science Resource Center (SRC) building.
Directions to SRC: Drive through Heard gates, past the parking lot and museum building, and continue until the road ends at the large white SRC building.
Register in advance for this Zoom meeting:
Use the email address associated with your personal Zoom account.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElcOmsrTsrGtbd5HCAAws7J_qSSob6IxpQ
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Logging AT: The monthly meeting presentation will allow members to earn 1-hour of AT. Log as AT: BPTMN Chapter Monthly Meeting Only (1 hour) with the speaker’s name and topic in the description box.
If you have any additional questions, please email.
Chapter Meeting Host: Vicki Sanders, vicepresident@bptmn.org
Past Chapter Meeting Speakers and Topics
Past Deep Dive Speakers and Topics
