Thinking about your resolutions for 2019?  Maybe you want to get outside more, or increase your understanding of Texas ecosystems, or become involved in projects to conserve local natural resources.  You can do all that and more by becoming a Texas Master Naturalist.   

The Blackland Prairie Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program is hosting an open house on Tuesday, January 8, 2019 from 7:00-9:00 PM at the Heard Museum, 1 Nature Place, McKinney TX, to share information about the Master Naturalist program and how to get involved.  There will also be presentations on a variety of volunteer opportunities in local natural areas.   

Applications to participate in the next Texas Master Naturalist class are currently being accepted through January 15, 2019.   Program information and application forms are available at https://txmn.org/bptmn/class-of-2019/.  Classes will be held at the Heard Museum from February 13, 2019 to May 8, 2019.   More information is available at communications@bptmn.org.

The goal of the Texas Master Naturalist program is to provide an opportunity for concerned adult citizens of all ages to learn about the natural environment and use this knowledge to provide volunteer service in the form of community education, conservation, and demonstration projects.  The Texas Master Naturalist program began in 1998 as a joint effort between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services.  There are 48 recognized chapters throughout Texas.  The Blackland Prairie Chapter meets in McKinney Texas, and draws members from communities in Collin and Hunt counties. 

Can one person really make an impact?  Blackland Prairie Chapter President Mike Roome says, “The answer is yes.  By joining with others of like passion and resolve, I can educate myself and volunteer to make a difference through efforts to preserve precious and valuable natural resources for generations to come.”