This calendar includes Heartwood’s scheduled chapter, volunteer, and training events.
For a list of unscheduled (work at your own pace) volunteer activities, check out the approved chapter activities: Heartwood Volunteer Projects
Want to suggest a new volunteer opportunity?
Want to suggest a new advanced training opportunity?
Want to use your birding skills to advance our understanding of climate change's impact on birds? Then Climate Watch is for you. This innovative community-science program enlists volunteer birders across North America to survey for one of our twelve target species in the same place (or places) twice each year. By sticking to a scientific protocol and sharing their results,... Read More →
Bayou Land Conservancy and Houston Audubon bird walks/surveys at Creekside Park West begin at 7:30 a.m. from the George Mitchell Nature Preserve Trailhead, the parking area located at the end of Dr. Anne Snyder Drive, and walk approximately 2.5 miles until around 10:00 a.m. The walk meanders along the Spring Creek Nature trail, a natural... Read More →
Join the team to work in the pollinator gardens and possibly sweep for litter. Bring your own garden gloves and tools. For the latest information, download Slack and join the Jones Forest channel. Team chat is found there. VMS: RM: W. G. Jones State Forest (Maintaining Pollinator Garden or Litter Pick-up)
Trail maintenance, volunteer work crew and garden group. For information on volunteer opportunities at Kleb Woods, contact [email protected] or call (281) 357-5324. VMS CODE: RM: Kleb Woods
Blossom Brigade: Pollinator Garden Work Recurring Every Wednesday 9 am - 11 am (weather permitting) Mercer Botanic Gardens, 223 Aldine Westfield, Humble 77338 Join this weekly effort alongside volunteer programming staff to care for plants in and around the pollinator garden and Honeybee Corral. These beds provide sustenance for native pollinators including, hummingbirds, butterflies, moths,... Read More →
Douglas (Doug) Tallamy is the founder of Homegrown National Park®. A professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, Tallamy advocates for the use of native plants in home gardens and landscapes. He is the author of several award-winning books including Nature’s Best Hope and Bringing Nature Home. His presentation will explain... Read More →
The Bayou Land Conservancy would love to see you for a birding walk along BLC’s Spring Creek Nature Trail. Bird walks/surveys are held every Monday and the first Saturday of each month, led by Texas Master Naturalist, Spring Creek Greenway Ambassador and BLC Trail Steward JoJo Bradbury The 2.5-mile walk begins at 7:30 a.m. from the George Mitchell Nature Preserve Trailhead, the parking... Read More →
Bayou Land Conservancy and Houston Audubon bird walks/surveys at Creekside Park West begin at 7:30 a.m. from the George Mitchell Nature Preserve Trailhead, the parking area located at the end of Dr. Anne Snyder Drive, and walk approximately 2.5 miles until around 10:00 a.m. The walk meanders along the Spring Creek Nature trail, a natural... Read More →
Interns: This is the initial training schedule. Any changes communicated by the committee take precedence over this schedule. VMS Code: Initial Training (Description: Class 1-Intro, Naturalists and the Land Ethic, VMS, Project)
Bayou Land Conservancy and Houston Audubon bird walks/surveys at Creekside Park West begin at 7:30 a.m. from the George Mitchell Nature Preserve Trailhead, the parking area located at the end of Dr. Anne Snyder Drive, and walk approximately 2.5 miles until around 10:00 a.m. The walk meanders along the Spring Creek Nature trail, a natural... Read More →
Join Teri MacArthur. Details will be added as the event approaches. NOTE: This AT is open to all Heartwood members. It also counts toward Texas Waters Certification for those who are certifying. For those not certifying as Texas Waters Specialist: VMS Code: AT: Woodlands Township (specify water-related class or lab) For those certifying as Texas... Read More →
Join the team to work in the pollinator gardens and possibly sweep for litter. Bring your own garden gloves and tools. For the latest information, download Slack and join the Jones Forest channel. Team chat is found there. VMS: RM: W. G. Jones State Forest (Maintaining Pollinator Garden or Litter Pick-up)
Trail maintenance, volunteer work crew and garden group. For information on volunteer opportunities at Kleb Woods, contact [email protected] or call (281) 357-5324. VMS CODE: RM: Kleb Woods
Are you curious about how people lived in Southeast Texas in the past? This will be the focus of Bayou Land Conservancy's first Public Archaeology Day at Arrowwood Preserve on Tuesday, February 6th! This 90-minute site visit will include opportunities to observe and interact with ASH&E archaeologists during excavations, work with archaeologists to screen and... Read More →
On Tuesday, February 6, Craig Hensley and Wendy Anderson will be presenting a webinar titled “iNaturalist Train the Trainer Workshop.” The Texas Nature Trackers (TNT) program is looking for Master Naturalists interested in becoming TNT certified iNaturalist workshop trainers across Texas. During this workshop we will provide you the training needed to get started as an iNaturalist trainer for... Read More →
Blossom Brigade: Pollinator Garden Work Recurring Every Wednesday 9 am - 11 am (weather permitting) Mercer Botanic Gardens, 223 Aldine Westfield, Humble 77338 Join this weekly effort alongside volunteer programming staff to care for plants in and around the pollinator garden and Honeybee Corral. These beds provide sustenance for native pollinators including, hummingbirds, butterflies, moths,... Read More →
Expand your horizons by learning something new. Bring a lunch and meet fellow garden enthusiasts. February’s topic is “Louisiana Iris and Mercer‘s Species Preservation Project” with Species Preservation Project Founder Charles Perilloux of Baton Rouge, LA. Perilloux’s presentation will include information about Texas native and non-native irises, with a focus on those that grow in... Read More →
From: Teri MacArthur If interested (or know someone who is) in attending once a month committee meetings to get involved in planning and presenting events to help people wishing to participate in activities related to water, please join me on Wednesday, February 7 at 3:30pm for a one-hour Online meeting. Use this link to JOIN THE... Read More →
With record high ocean temperatures in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico in 2023, there was a lot of coral bleaching. Just about everyone realizes coral bleaching is not good for our coral reefs, but exactly how is it affecting them and what can we expect in the future? Climate monitoring helps us understand these... Read More →
Enjoy learning about improving water quality, water quantity, conservation practices, water law, and aquatic habitats. Join the training program throughout the year for FREE. Visit the Texas Waters webpage for information on becoming a certified Texas Waters Specialist and view recorded webinars from 2017-2023. Date: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 @ 6:30-7:30p Presenter: Kathleen B. Ligon, Associate Executive Administrator, Texas Water... Read More →
What: Heartwood Chapter Board Meeting When: First Wednesday, 6:30-8:00p Venue: Zoom (Contact mailto:[email protected] for a link.) VMS: CB: Chapter Meeting: Heartwood (Specify – attended board meeting)
Details Join the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society on February 8, 2024 at 11 AM CST to hear from Robert Perez about Migratory Bird Joint Ventures. Robert will be discussing the unique partnerships that joint ventures develop and leverage to do bird conservation across large geographies. Register Learn something new at the Texas Chapter... Read More →
Join Bayou Land Conservancy in planting a tree for the next generation and habitat restoration! Register: https://www.bayoulandconservancy.org/volunteer. Where: Little Cypress Creek Preserve (details provided at registration) Required Supplies: Water (at least 48 oz), close-toed shoes, long sleeve pants and shirt, gloves, and eye protection Recommended: A bag for your water, snacks, etc.; insect repellent/sun protection... Read More →
Interns: This is the initial training schedule. Any changes communicated by the committee take precedence over this schedule. VMS Code: Initial Training (Description: Class 2-Nature of Naming and Wetland Ecology and Management)
Join the volunteer crew at Lake Houston Wilderness Park to remove invasive species and trash. This is led by Tiffane DaVanon, one of our 2024 trainees! Wear proper shoes and gloves and take sufficient water. Meet at the Nature Center. Contact: Tiffane DaVanon ([email protected] or 832-621-6858) VMS: RM: Lake Houston Wilderness Park (Description: Removal of... Read More →
Bayou Land Conservancy and Houston Audubon bird walks/surveys at Creekside Park West begin at 7:30 a.m. from the George Mitchell Nature Preserve Trailhead, the parking area located at the end of Dr. Anne Snyder Drive, and walk approximately 2.5 miles until around 10:00 a.m. The walk meanders along the Spring Creek Nature trail, a natural... Read More →
Join the team to work in the pollinator gardens and possibly sweep for litter. Bring your own garden gloves and tools. For the latest information, download Slack and join the Jones Forest channel. Team chat is found there. VMS: RM: W. G. Jones State Forest (Maintaining Pollinator Garden or Litter Pick-up)
Trail maintenance, volunteer work crew and garden group. For information on volunteer opportunities at Kleb Woods, contact [email protected] or call (281) 357-5324. VMS CODE: RM: Kleb Woods
Title: Rattlesnakes Date: February 13, 2024 at 12pm Speaker: Chip Ruthven, Natural Resource Specialist and Project Leader Description: Chip has been the project leader for the Panhandle Wildlife Management Areas since 2004. He is stationed at the Matador Wildlife Management Area. Chip has special interest and advanced knowledge in rattlesnakes. February Registration The Texas Master Naturalist Program is excited to... Read More →
Panelists will explain how to participate in this exciting global event and how participation might extend past your back door. Discover how to join a group taking part in the GBBC and explore fun ways to involve kids. From bird ID tips to counting birds with ease, this webinar is your ticket to an engaging... Read More →
Blossom Brigade: Pollinator Garden Work Recurring Every Wednesday 9 am - 11 am (weather permitting) Mercer Botanic Gardens, 223 Aldine Westfield, Humble 77338 Join this weekly effort alongside volunteer programming staff to care for plants in and around the pollinator garden and Honeybee Corral. These beds provide sustenance for native pollinators including, hummingbirds, butterflies, moths,... Read More →
Indulge your LOVE for plants by attending our Chapter meeting on February 14! Topic: Plants and the Miracles They Contain Presenter: Mark "Merriwether" Vorderbruggen, Ph.D. is often (somewhat) jokingly described as a scientist raised by wolves. Having an M.S. in medicinal chemistry and a Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry, he brings science into the world... Read More →
Have you had a native seeding project in mind and need help getting started in the right direction? Join this collaborative Lunch and Learn with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Native Seeds about available resources for establishing native plants from seed. Be prepared to fall in love with the diversity of native... Read More →
Date and Time: February 15, 2024, from 7-8p Delivery: In-person (SHSU – The Woodlands at 3380 College Park Drive, Room 230) and via Zoom with advance registration required Presenter: Pines and Prairies and Heartwood Chapter member Patti Thompson Topic: Native Plants and Your Homeowner Association Business Meeting: Vote on the three open board positions – Bob Dailey, President; Helen Capozzelli, Secretary; Jay Gowen, Director at... Read More →
Note: More information can be found here. Participating is easy, fun to do alone or with others, and can be done anywhere you find birds. Step 1: Decide where you will watch birds. Step 2: Watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once over the four days, February 16–19, 2024. Step 3: Identify all the birds you see... Read More →
Volunteers Needed! 1-2 volunteers are needed to assist with the hike at the Forest. The program will begin in the Forest Classroom with a 30-45 minute presentation by the Forest Service and Friends of Texas Wildlife. A 1-mile night hike will follow where we will attempt to call in one of our resident wild owls. ... Read More →
Interns: This is the initial training schedule. Any changes communicated by the committee take precedence over this schedule. The first part from 8:00-10:00 will be by ZOOM only. Please use the link at the end of this email. This is the same link as last week. After the zoom portion, there will be a break and then we will... Read More →
**Rescheduled for August 17 - More info later** From: Lisa Houston If you have not participated in an Invasive Species Training in the past year, I highly recommend taking the opportunity to join me for a free in-person workshop on February 17, 2024 from 8:30am-2:30pm at the The Woodlands Emergency Training Center (16135 I-45 South,... Read More →
Come join Master Naturalist Stephen Hughes on a hike through the trails along Harper’s Horsepen Branch. Pick up litter as you hike from the Harper’s Landing Park, to the head of the creek, then hike along some wooded trails. The hike will take you to a lake north of the creek, for a rest and... Read More →
Lake Creek Preserve Guided Hikes Third Saturday of every month 10AM Lake Creek Preserve, Montgomery TX Hikes last 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the size of the group Volunteers are needed to lead community members on a guided hike of the Preserve providing information about the natural history and benefits of the... Read More →
Lake Houston Wilderness Park is looking for birders! The park has a growing birder population, but there are so many cool places that haven’t been explored. If you would like to help with this, show up at 8am on the 3rd Sunday of every month and bring your binoculars! VMS CODE: FR: LAKE HOUSTON WILDERNESS PARK:... Read More →
Greetings Greenbelt Guardians! We have been asked to help with an Eagle Scout Project. Our Task Force will assist Scouts in remediating the pollinator habitat by removing deep-rooted sedge and other vines in preparation for new native plantings. If you can assist, please register with the following form so the Scout can keep track of his "helpers" for his... Read More →
Bayou Land Conservancy and Houston Audubon bird walks/surveys at Creekside Park West begin at 7:30 a.m. from the George Mitchell Nature Preserve Trailhead, the parking area located at the end of Dr. Anne Snyder Drive, and walk approximately 2.5 miles until around 10:00 a.m. The walk meanders along the Spring Creek Nature trail, a natural... Read More →
Date: Feb 22 Topic: Climate Models and Forecasts for SE Texas Presenter: Zong-Liang Yang, Dept. of Earth & Planetary Sciences, Univ. of Texas - Austin Zoom Link Details: How will climate change impact Texas and the native prairie and savanna ecosystems? How do we plan restorations to be sustainable in 2050? Do we need to... Read More →
Join the team to work in the pollinator gardens and possibly sweep for litter. Bring your own garden gloves and tools. For the latest information, download Slack and join the Jones Forest channel. Team chat is found there. VMS: RM: W. G. Jones State Forest (Maintaining Pollinator Garden or Litter Pick-up)
Trail maintenance, volunteer work crew and garden group. For information on volunteer opportunities at Kleb Woods, contact [email protected] or call (281) 357-5324. VMS CODE: RM: Kleb Woods
Blossom Brigade: Pollinator Garden Work Recurring Every Wednesday 9 am - 11 am (weather permitting) Mercer Botanic Gardens, 223 Aldine Westfield, Humble 77338 Join this weekly effort alongside volunteer programming staff to care for plants in and around the pollinator garden and Honeybee Corral. These beds provide sustenance for native pollinators including, hummingbirds, butterflies, moths,... Read More →
Mercer is a great place to volunteer! Whether you love gardening or want to learn more about horticulture and botany, we have a spot for you. During our February Volunteer Open House, we invite you to explore Mercer Botanical Center opportunities, including helping with imaging and preservation in the herbarium, plant and seed care in... Read More →
Webinar Description: In road construction projects across the United States, erosion control methods (e.g., erosion control blankets), are mandated to stimulate seedbed regeneration and prevent soil loss. Previous reports have suggested that snakes are vulnerable to entanglement in erosion control blankets. This presentation will discuss results from a literature review, field surveys, and two entanglement... Read More →
Understanding where fish spend their time on the reef is a critical part of effective resource management. This study examines how fish are using the reefs and banks across the sanctuary, at both large and fine scales, using underwater acoustics. Come learn about how a network of instruments is being used to track fish around... Read More →
Houston Audubon conducts 18 bird surveys across the region. This critical community science effort gathers data that will help scientists evaluate population changes and understand which species might require special management. Survey leaders engage participants of all birding skills, and it’s a great way to be introduced to the joys of birdwatching! Mercer’s monthly Bird... Read More →
Interns: This is the initial training schedule. Any changes communicated by the committee take precedence over this schedule. VMS Code: Initial Training (Description: Class 4-Laws, Regulations, Ethics, and Urban Ecology)
Conserve water and reduce stormwater runoff, pollution, and bacteria entering Galveston Bay. Workshop will consist of a supply pickup, hands-on presentation, and Q&A session with Galveston Bay Foundation staff. The class is free but there is a $40 fee for the optional rain barrel and kit. If you do not wish to purchase a kit,... Read More →
Join the volunteer crew at Lake Houston Wilderness Park to remove invasive species and trash. This is led by Tiffane DaVanon, one of our 2024 trainees! Wear proper shoes and gloves and take sufficient water. Meet at the Nature Center. Contact: Tiffane DaVanon ([email protected] or 832-621-6858) VMS: RM: Lake Houston Wilderness Park (Description: Removal of... Read More →
From: John Herron, Park Interpreter, Huntsville State Park (936-355-9275 or [email protected]) CCC Day at the Lodge, Sunday February 25th 10am-3pm. We will have displays and information at the Lodge. We will be doing 3 walk through tours as well. I could use help with the hands-on activities. There will be some of the games they played at a... Read More →
Bayou Land Conservancy and Houston Audubon bird walks/surveys at Creekside Park West begin at 7:30 a.m. from the George Mitchell Nature Preserve Trailhead, the parking area located at the end of Dr. Anne Snyder Drive, and walk approximately 2.5 miles until around 10:00 a.m. The walk meanders along the Spring Creek Nature trail, a natural... Read More →
Interested in certification as a Texas Waters Specialist? The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department (ES) is a partner for this program of Texas Parks & Wildlife Department. All needed training hours for initial certification, and ample volunteering opportunities for annual re-certification as Water Specialists are provided by the ES Department. The monthly 2-hour Online classes resume... Read More →
Trail maintenance, volunteer work crew and garden group. For information on volunteer opportunities at Kleb Woods, contact [email protected] or call (281) 357-5324. VMS CODE: RM: Kleb Woods
Join the team to work in the pollinator gardens and possibly sweep for litter. Bring your own garden gloves and tools. For the latest information, download Slack and join the Jones Forest channel. Team chat is found there. VMS: RM: W. G. Jones State Forest (Maintaining Pollinator Garden or Litter Pick-up)
Join our Ecological Surveys to learn about local biodiversity and contribute to habitat management at Kleb Woods. Designed for nature enthusiasts aged 14+, participants will get hands-on experience with survey techniques, species identification, and ecological data collection. All skill levels welcome! For questions, email [email protected] or call 281-357-5324. Register VMS: FR: Other Partners (Specify Kleb... Read More →
Blossom Brigade: Pollinator Garden Work Recurring Every Wednesday 9 am - 11 am (weather permitting) Mercer Botanic Gardens, 223 Aldine Westfield, Humble 77338 Join this weekly effort alongside volunteer programming staff to care for plants in and around the pollinator garden and Honeybee Corral. These beds provide sustenance for native pollinators including, hummingbirds, butterflies, moths,... Read More →
The San Antonio River faces a threat to its ecosystem by Giant Apple Snails. Giant Apple Snails (Pomacea maculata) are native to South America and highly destructive invasive species throughout Texas. The snails are voracious eaters of aquatic plants that take away foodstuff and habitat from the river's native species. When: Wednesday, February 28, 12pm – 1pm Where: ... Read More →
Just like any other animal, coral can get sick. Coral diseases can harm whole ecosystems when they spread across reefs. In 2022, a mystery disease appeared on the magnificent reefs of Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Join scientists in their efforts to identify the mystery disease, to predict how diseases may arrive at Flower... Read More →
Interns: This is the initial training schedule. Any changes communicated by the committee take precedence over this schedule. VMS Code: Initial Training (Description: Class 5-Geology)
Let’s talk bats: Learn more about our only flying mammal Thursday, February 29 @ 7pm Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/97713293538 With Diana Foss, former Urban Wildlife Technical Guidance Biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Let's talk bats! As our only flying mammals, bats occupy a unique niche in many worldwide ecosystems. They provide critical services within those ecosystems, such... Read More →
Discover how to make sure you have what you need — when you need it — and not an ounce more! You'll hear from the experts about: How to Spec Your Kit How to Guard Against First Aid Kit Failures OTC, Rx Meds, & Packing for chronic medical conditions Detailed Supply and Gear Recommendations Choosing the... Read More →
The Bayou Land Conservancy would love to see you for a birding walk along BLC’s Spring Creek Nature Trail. Bird walks/surveys are held every Monday and the first Saturday of each month, led by Texas Master Naturalist, Spring Creek Greenway Ambassador and BLC Trail Steward JoJo Bradbury The 2.5-mile walk begins at 7:30 a.m. from the George Mitchell Nature Preserve Trailhead, the parking... Read More →
Special Info Due to Marathon Eastbound Lake Woodlands Drive will have all lanes closed between 6:30am-11am from Kuykendahl to Grogan’s Mill. Lake Woodlands westbound will have CONTRA-FLOW (Vehicles will be traveling east and west from Lake Front Circle to Cochran’s Crossing) Recommended Commute and Driving Practices during the Event: Only residential traffic is recommended through... Read More →
Does preserving watershed quality matter? What can you do to help protect our local water quality? Want to get involved in your community, and help others to take action? Training classes qualify you to achieve Certification as a Texas Waters Specialist while learning about local water issues. Eight hours class time required. Register for notifications... Read More →
