Elm Fork Chapter Texas Master Naturalist
wins “Spirit of Lewisville” award

The Elm Fork Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists actively works on multiple projects in Lewisville that benefit the city and residents. At Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA), the group partners with the City, Lewisville ISD (LISD), and University of North Texas (UNT) to conduct restoration efforts and provide engaging programs to visitors.

Many members of the group are members of the Friends of LLELA or serve on its board. Members have worked at LLELA and Thrive Nature Park to develop restoration plans. At both sites, they are working to identify invasive species, successfully remove them, and replace them with native plants. EFTMN also assists with trail maintenance, seed harvesting, and trash removal at both locations and hosts monthly nature walks. At LLELA, they serve as docents in the nature center and provide monthly tours of the historic Minor-Porter Log House.

In 2022, the group assisted in growing and planting more than 10,000 native plants and grasses at LLELA. The largest effort was a “Plant-a-Thon” event with LISD during which seventh-graders visited LLELA for a one-day field trip and learned about the benefits of conservation and restoration before getting a chance to plant native species on the property.