April 1, 2026 — The Texas Master Naturalist Program received an $80,000 donation to support community projects benefiting the state’s diverse native pollinator populations for a third year.
The donation, awarded by Texas-based grocer H-E-B, continues the partnership of the Pollinators for Texas initiative for a third year. Individual Texas Master Naturalist Chapters are eligible to receive up to $4,000 to support large-scale, community-based projects that enhance biodiversity while supporting native pollinators and their habitats.
“We’re thrilled to continue this incredible partnership for a third year,” said Mary Pearl Meuth, Texas Master Naturalist assistant state coordinator with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “During the first year, our chapters enhanced 257,876 square feet of area with 4,391 plants to improve their local pollinators habitats, and we cannot wait to see what the final numbers from our second year will be.”
The 2024 Pollinators for Texas Final Report showcases the impacts made by the inaugural 16 chapters, including over 5,964 hours of work from 676 volunteers.
Impact on local communities
The Pollinators for Texas initiative aims to benefit Texas communities through the restoration and creation of pollinator-friendly habitats. Last year, the initiative awarded 17 chapters with funding to complete various pollinator initiatives across the state—from native plant gardens, also known as wildscapes, in public parks to engaging public participation in conservation efforts.
“H-E-B is proud to continue our partnership with the Texas Master Naturalist Program, ensuring that native pollinators and their habitats across Texas remain protected,” said Anahi Villarruel, H-E-B environmental affairs project manager.
Villarruel said protecting pollinators is essential to safeguarding Texas biodiversity, food security and the health of ecosystems upon which humans and wildlife rely.
How chapters can apply for funding to support pollinators
Texas Master Naturalist Chapters can apply for project funding Apr. 1-Jun. 1. Eligibility requirements, application instructions, the previously awarded projects and more information can be found on the Pollinators for Texas website.
“This initiative allows Texas Master Naturalist Chapters to expand their efforts in creating pollinator-friendly habitats and engaging communities in conservation on a larger scale,” said Michelle Haggerty, Texas Master Naturalist state coordinator with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. “We’re very excited to see what projects chapters create for the third year of this partnership with H-E-B.”
About the Texas Master Naturalist Program
Established in 1998 as a partnership between Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Master Naturalist Program works to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers.
These volunteers provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of Texas’ natural resources and natural areas within their local communities.