Due to the pandemic, Texas Master Naturalists (TMN) require that we try to the best of our ability to provide remote access to our meetings. We have tried our best to provide virtual meetings during the COVID-19 crisis and met with issues. Our Zoom volunteer did more than we can expect from her, and we appreciate the time she put in. Now, TMN is using WebEx. Even after many practice sessions to prepare for the February monthly meeting, we still had difficulty with audio, video, screen-sharing, and presentation sounds. So, for the foreseeable future, we will have in-person meetings at the Martin Dies Jr. State Park dining hall on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. Bring your own food & drink. Please space out chairs so that we may observe social distancing. TMN safety requirements still apply, even though the mandatory mask requirement has been lifted by the Texas Governor.
If you do not wish to attend, there are still many virtual options for you to stay updated!
#1 Email. Keep an eye on your email for updates on events, trainings, and service hour opportunities. We will also provide links to allow you to get more details. Email is our primary form of communication. If members have questions, don’t hesitate to shoot our president, Sharon, an email. She’s quick to answer. sherlmx@gmail.com
#2 Longleaf Ridge Master Naturalist Website. This website has our chapter information and calendar of events. Penny has recently volunteered to keep the LRMN calendar updated. It mostly includes events hosted by our group, but some virtual events and local opportunities will also be added. https://txmn.org/llr/
#3 Facebook We have a Facebook Page for the public and a Group for members. These are updated less frequently, but will sometimes contain shared posts from other local environmental organizations that may have volunteering or educational opportunities. The page will have “official” news and shared posts. In the group, we welcome photos of our members while serving or enjoying the outdoors OR shared posts about educational topics and/or resources that may be of interest to our members. https://www.facebook.com/LongleafRidgeMasterNaturalists
#4 TMN Website The official Texas Master Naturalist website has the most basic information about the organization, but it also has a news section! You’ll find state-sponsored webinars, classes, trainings, guides for logging hours, and events on this page. https://txmn.tamu.edu/news/
#5 Martin Dies Jr. State Park Events Page Check the MDJSP events website to stay current on Service Hours opportunities. You will need to contact Ranger Amy or Pablo to schedule times to volunteer. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/martin-dies-jr/park_events OR Contact the park today at: 409-383-0144 or 409-384-5231 or Amy.kocurek@tpwd.texas.gov
The pandemic has encouraged more people to flock to our state’s natural areas in search of recreation and increased mental health, while maintaining social distancing. We hope you will stay active, keep on learning, keep up those training & service hours, continue the citizen science, and continue to provide education to the public on responsibly enjoying the outdoors, whether in person or remotely. Stay connected!
Longleaf Ridge chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists (LRMN)