The Texas Master Naturalist, Blackland Prairie Chapter is one of 48 recognized chapters throughout Texas.  Our chapter meets in McKinney Texas and draws members from communities in Collin, Hunt, and Rockwall counties and adjacent areas.  Our well-trained chapter members volunteer in numerous local efforts to help people learn about and appreciate Texas's natural resources.

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, restoration 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.  

Master Naturalist volunteers receive in-depth training in wildlife and natural resource management, customized to focus on their local ecosystems.  Training is provided by educators and specialists from universities, agencies, nature centers, museums and other organizations who donate their services.

The Blackland Prairie Chapter offers members a wide variety of volunteer opportunities in McKinney and surrounding communities including Allen, Frisco, Plano and Wylie.  Our chapter coordinates several prairie/garden restoration projects, and chapter members are eagerly sought as volunteers by our major partner organizations:  Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, Connemara Meadow Preserve, Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area.

BLACKLAND PRAIRIE CHAPTER MEETINGS & NATURALIST TALKS

    •    Second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

    •    Heard Natural Science Museum – 1 Nature Place – McKinney TX 75069

    •    (Chapter announcements/meeting at 7 p.m.; Naturalist Talk follows)

    •    More information about Naturalist Talk speakers and topics is available at www.bptmn.org

ANNUAL TRAINING TO BECOME A TEXAS MASTER NATURALIST

    •    A 13-week training program is held February-May each year

    •    The training includes classroom sessions and field trips, as well as completion of volunteer service hours and participation in advanced training

    •    Applications are accepted from November-February

    •    For more information about the training program requirements and application forms visit: www.bptmn.org