Lauren Bendiksen, 2019 I am a born and bred Texan, having grown up in Dallas. I only moved away from the area for college at Texas A&M-College Station. I have… Read More →
STT 25
Citizen Science in your community? You Betcha!
Georgette Guernsey, 2004 I have explored the Prosper Butterfly Garden in Whitley Place subdivision once a week since March. Below is a checklist of the plants I have identified during these visits. All have been confirmed by either iNaturalist, botany monitors or “Shinner’s and Mahler’s Flora of North Central Texas” by Diggs, Lipscomb, Reed, O’Kennon. The plants for the most part are described as growing in clay or calcareous soils that have been disturbed or overgrazed.
Fall is here
Sally Evans, 2006; Founder & Emeritus Leaves are fluttering down; Butterflies are fluttering around; Hummingbirds are fluttering as they nectar. Lizards are sunning; Squirrels are running; Red lilies are stunning… Read More →
Lavon Lake Trinity Trail
Duane Mortensen, 2018 Lavon Lake is the largest lake contained within Collin County. The length of its shoreline stretches 121 miles, and the managed wildlife area surrounding the lake boasts 6400 acres. Given the fact it is so close to millions of people, why is it so little used? Given the number of undisturbed acres, I would argue that it is under-represented in iNaturalist data. Part of the answer lies in the poor condition of the parks surrounding the lake. Road access, restrooms and signage are regularly in disrepair. If you ignore the disrepair on the edges of the park, and venture inside, it is amazing what you can find.
Heard Sanctuary Fall/ Winter Volunteer existing projects
Tom Shackelford, 2018; President 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. Specific projects follow below.
Annual Sunflower
Sally Evans, 2006; Founder & Emeritus
The annual sunflower plant (Helianthus annuus) was one of the most plentiful and versatile plants the Indians had available. It was convertible into a dye, a liniment, a medicine, a coffee, and a delectable food. By boiling the crushed seeds, an oil could be skimmed off and used for cooking or as a hair dressing, whatever the need at the time. Nature provides many teas, but few coffees. Delicious coffee was made by roasting and boiling the seeds as we roast and boil the coffee bean. Black and purple dyes were also derived from the seeds.