“Later I would learn I was living in the Blackland Prairie ecological region of Texas that was once covered by millions acres of tallgrass prairie. My soil was special!”
Linda
Linda Nixon, 2018
In December 2016, I retired from my job as Environmental Services Manager for the City of Hemet California Public Works Department, and immediately packed up and moved to Princeton, Texas. Why? Grandkids!
Once I got here, I discovered a completely different environment than the arid desert I came from, and I wanted to learn more! My first learning opportunity arrived when I decided to plant some flowers. I could not believe how black, sticky, and heavy the soil was. I went to a local nursery and asked what I could do to “fix” this black stuff. They told me just to add some compost. I did! Then I purchased some native plants at the Annual Heard Native Plant Sale. I put them in the black soil, and they liked it
In August of 2017 I began volunteering at the Heard Museum in the Animal Care Program. I was trained by Mike Roome, who not only taught me about cleaning animal cages and chopping food but also shared his passion for the Texas Master Naturalist Program. (He was the chapter president at the time and one of the best salesmen I have ever met!) By the end of that first day, I was ready to become a Master Naturalist. I applied for a spot in the Class of 2018, was accepted, and in May of 2018 I graduated with a double certification.
Fast forward five years. I am still enjoying my volunteer work in the Heard animal care program. I have always loved caring for animals. As a young girl I tried to save birds that my cat caught. My efforts were unsuccessful, but I worked hard! Several years ago, I volunteered to serve as the BPTMN Communications Director. I have learned more in this capacity than I ever could have imaged as we expanded communication efforts to keep chapter members informed during the pandemic.
I love being a Texas Master Naturalist! I love all I have learned and continue to learn about Texas and the diverse flora and fauna of this state. But most of all I love the people I have come to know in this Chapter. I am so proud and happy to be a Texas Master Naturalist in the Blackland Prairie Chapter. I definitely found “my people” in this organization!