For National Volunteer Month 2025, we are celebrating our amazing volunteers by highlighting a few individual Texas Master Naturalist stories from across Texas! These are just a few of the fantastic stories from our volunteers. THANK YOU to these four individuals and all of our volunteers who are making a difference throughout the state!
Meet Mallory Sanchez! Mallory found the TMN Program when she was exploring ways to learn more about nature in her area, and became a member of the Llano Estacado Chapter in 2024. We asked her a few questions about her journey!
Q: What made you want to become a Texas Master Naturalist?
A: Two books turned the tide for me: The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renal and The Milkweed Lands by Eric Lee-Mäder. They both encouraged me to think about the nature around me differently. The TMN Program was an affordable way to learn from experts, meet like-minded people, and volunteer in my community.
Q: What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned since joining the TMN Program?
A: The coolest thing I learned is that there are green bees! I have learned that most native bees are solitary and can be of different colors, shapes, and sizes. I have been adding lots more native plants in my yard to support my favorite pollinators!
Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining the TMN Program?
A: Even if you work full-time or have family responsibilities, there are still ways to make it work! The first year can be daunting because of the initial training and volunteer hours, but it is well worth it! Check with your local chapter because there are often opportunities to participate on the weekends or virtually.
Q: Why do you volunteer?
A: I volunteer because I can have a direct impact on supporting and preserving the nature in my community and the state.
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