There is a groundswell developing in Tarrant County among public and private property owners and managers to identify, conserve and in many cases restore native prairie remnants for a variety of reasons. What motivates people to learn about and save their local natural heritage? And how can folks connect to other like-minded conservationists? To explore answers to these questions and to facilitate networking we have put together a panel of local prairie owners/managers for our April meeting. Currently scheduled to serve as panelists are:

• Mr. Nathan Loftice - Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Sustainability and Environmental Division

• Mr. Don Young - Founder and President, Friends of Tandy Hills Natural Area

• Dr. Greta Bowling - Faculty Member, Tarrant County College Northwest Campus

• Dr. Jeanmarie Stiles - Faculty Member, Tarrant County College Northeast Campus

• Ms. Floreen Henry - Faculty Member, Tarrant County College South Campus

• Mr. Marc Villanueva - Lead Groundskeeper, Tarrant County College Southeast Campus

• Ms. Pat Merkord - Executive Director, Native Prairies Association of Texas

Suzanne Tuttle, FW-NPAT treasurer and recently retired manager of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge will serve as moderator. Audience members are encouraged to actively engage in the discussion.