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. Coastal Prairie Chapter members volunteer mainly in Fort Bend, Waller and Wharton counties.
Monthly Chapter Program – November 5, 2026
“Mushrooms of the Gulf States Region” with David P. Lewis
Mushrooms are far more than the colorful organisms we spot in the woods. They are the visible fruiting bodies of fungi—essential players in decomposition, nutrient cycling, plant health, and healthy ecosystems.
Join us on Thursday, November 5th at 7:00pm, as we explore the fascinating fungal world of the Gulf States, including how fungi differ from plants, the important roles they play in nature, and how different mushroom groups can be identified by their unique structures.
We’ll take a special look at the remarkable diversity of East Texas and the Gulf Coast, including unusual species discovered through research in the Big Thicket and surrounding forests. Whether you’re an experienced mushroom hunter or simply curious about what’s growing in your backyard, this presentation will open your eyes to the hidden fungal world all around us!
About Our speaker:
David P. Lewis is a retired chemist, mycologist, author, and Research Associate with both the Field Museum of Natural History and the Tracy Herbarium at Texas A&M University. His thousands of fungal collections and decades of research have contributed significantly to documenting the fungi of East Texas and the Gulf Coast.
A former Fungal TWIG coordinator for the Big Thicket National Preserve, David has discovered several new mushroom species and is co-author of Mushrooms of the Gulf Coast States. He is a recipient of multiple awards for his contributions to mycology and conservation.
Coastal Prairie Chapter programs are free and open to the public. This program will be held in-person at the Rosenberg Civic Center, 3825 TX-36, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Please plan to arrive at 6:00 pm for refreshments and social time. The program starts at 7pm.
A Zoom option is available. After registering below, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Fall 2026 Training Class – Full
The Fall 2026 class is now full.
Current Projects
- Seabourne Creek Nature Park is our signature project. Come visit us!
- 10/3/2026 9:00am Monthly Mindful Meditation Walk
- 10/3/2026 10:30am Monthly Story Time
- 10/7/26 8:00am Monthly Bird Hike at Seabourne Creek Nature Park
- 10/18/26 8:00am Monthly Nature Hike at Seabourne Creek Nature Park
- 10/29/26 9:00am Monthly Insect Hike at Seabourne Creek Nature Park
- 11/5/26 7:00pm Monthly Chapter Program: “Mushrooms of the Gulf States Region” with David P. Lewis
Coastal Prairie Chapter Blog
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TMNCPC President’s Message – 2026: September
After its summer hiatus, I’m especially excited to introduce our reformatted, web-based newsletter
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Ruby-throated Hummingbird Fall Migration
Fall migration of Ruby-throated hummingbirds is in full swing at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory! To learn more about these beautiful birds and their amazing journey, check out the Hummingbird Xtravaganza event this September at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory headquarters in Lake Jackson, Texas.
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Preparations for the Fall 2026 Training Class Are Underway!
The Texas Master Naturalist Coastal Prairie Chapter Fall 2026 Training class is underway, and plans are beginning for the Spring 2027 Training class. Here is how to get involved!
