As we enter our Season of Thanks, we want to celebrate the incredible family we’ve built together within the Texas Master Naturalist community. Whether it’s a mother and son duo planting trees, an aunt and niece teaming up for wildlife conservation, or the family you found along the way, your stories of shared passion and dedication inspire us all.
From shared adventures in nature to lifelong friendships, this community is truly special. Thank you for being part of our journey and for making a difference across Texas!
Below is a collection of our Master Naturalist’s unique experiences spotlighting the connections that make our program truly special. We hope you enjoy!
Gina McKnight, a Texas Master Naturalist Blackland Prairie Chapter member, is thankful the TMN Program allows her to volunteer with her small children.
“In order to become adults who value and prioritize nature, children first have to fall in love with it through experiences,” Gina wrote. “Every week my children are surrounded by some of the most knowledgeable people who love the earth and see value in passing that love and stewardship onto younger generations. It delights my heart to see them immersed in nature.”
One of Gina’s favorite memories of volunteering with her children was how excited her son was to spend his 7th birthday doing prairie restoration work.
Luanne Salinas, a member of the Texas Master Naturalist Cradle of Texas Chapter, is thankful the TMN Program allows her and her husband, Jimmy, to volunteer together.
“My husband and I are so equally yoked and love doing everything together,” Luanne wrote. “We make everything we do fun and inspiring.”
Luanne said one of her favorite memories from volunteering with her husband was monitoring for shrikes (pictured is them taking Luanne’s mother, Valerie, monitoring with them!).
Texas Master Naturalist Good Water Chapter Member Helen Elkins is thankful the TMN Program provided an opportunity to volunteer with her son.
“Volunteering with my son that day at Berry Springs Park is something I’ll never forget. I thank the Good Water Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists for the opportunity,” Helen wrote. “This only happened once because my son lives in Minneapolis, but when he was here to visit, I invited him to volunteer with me at Berry Springs Park in Georgetown. Together, we helped spread mulch on a hiking trail.
“While doing that, a lethargic coral snake appeared in a pile of mulch. My son helped do a positive ID of the snake, and we watched as other Master Naturalists took many pictures of the snake. It was great to share the experience with my son and fellow Master Naturalists.”
Helen is thankful the TMN Program allows her to spend time preserving our natural environment in Texas and helps her meet like-minded people who share her passion for the natural world.
Louise Ridlon, a Texas Master Naturalist Lost Pines Chapter member, is thankful the TMN Program allowed her and her husband, Frank, to volunteer and learn together after they moved to Texas.
“When I first became a Texas Master Naturalist, my husband also became a member and we often volunteered together,” Louise wrote. “We loved learning about all things Texas since we had just moved from California.”
One of Louise’s favorite memories from volunteering with her husband was spending time at the Pines and Prairies Land Trust properties marking trails and identifying plants and critters.
“He has been gone since 2017, but we enjoyed making friends together and discussing our adventures,” Louise wrote. “We did a lot of biosurveys and helping with school groups. He was always recognizable by his cowboy hat and mustache.”
Louise believes those in the TMN Program are akin to family, writing, “It is a family of like-minded people who love nature and love giving their time and talents, support one another, and care deeply about what they do and the positive impact it has on people and the environment.”
Texas Master Naturalist Hays County Chapter member Mary O’Hara is thankful the TMN Program helped her meet her best friend and “sister from another mister,” Lauren Young.
“Lauren is my BFF and soulmate; we met in our Training year and have never missed an TMN Annual State Meeting since,” Mary wrote. “We even went to exotic locations during the Pandemic and participated together online.”
One of Mary’s favorite memories from volunteering with Lauren was the Butterfly Festival in Wimberly where they wore, “wings and antennae while flitting around educating and entertaining the masses.”
When asked why she is thankful for the TMN Program, Mary wrote, “Where do I start?! Comradery, unending education, opportunity to serve, joy of outdoors, love of nature, and on and on and on!”
Mari Hanley, a member of the Texas Master Naturalist Heartwood Chapter, is thankful the TMN Program provides a fulfilling way for her to spend her retirement. One of her favorite memories of volunteering with her husband is checking bridges for bats.
“He is my life partner who enjoys sharing the wildlife experience with me,” Mari wrote. “Hopefully, when he finally retires he will train to be a TMN too.”
Sue Frary, Texas Master Naturalist Indian Trail Chapter member, is thankful the TMN Program provides an opportunity for her to volunteer alongside her daughter, son-in-law and grandson.
“I’m thankful for intelligent, caring, like-minded folks volunteering to make the world a better place,” Sue wrote.
One of Sue’s favorite TMN memories was the excitement her grandson felt when he found a bullfrog in a stock pond.
Texas Master Naturalist Rio Grande Valley Chapter member John Romero is thankful the TMN Program provides a way for him to give back to his community alongside his wife, Noemi Romero, and sister, Lizz Romero.
“Volunteering brings us closer together,” John wrote. “It’s great being in a positive environment, as well as with positive people.”
Lizz was a Master Naturalist and told John and Noemi about the program when they were looking for a way to volunteer and help their local community. One of John’s favorite memories from volunteering with Noemi and Lizz was picking up trash along the beach while watching a beautiful sunrise.
D’nese Fly, Texas Master Naturalist Brush y Canyons Chapter member, is thankful the TMN Program provides an opportunity for her and her husband to continue learning and sharing knowledge.
““It’s beautiful to share the outdoors and explore with a loved one,” D’nese wrote. “We love sharing our knowledge with others and trying to identify our area’s numerous varieties of grasses.”
D’nese believes life is better outdoors, and is thankful the program provides a valuable avenue for folks in the piney woods and bayou lands of southeast Texas to engage with the outdoors while promoting conservation.
Texas Master Naturalist Cross Timbers Chapter member Teddi Zonker is thankful the TMN Program provides her the opportunity to volunteer with close friends and her service dog, Miss Frida.
“I love volunteering with a high school friend who shares the same passion for nature,” Teddi wrote. “It’s been so rewarding to introduce her to the program and enjoy something fun and meaningful together outdoors. Plus, Miss Frida is always a welcomed and beloved member at the meetings!”
One of Teddi’s favorite memories with the TMN Program is attending mothing events with her friend and seeing the joy on other Master Naturalist’s faces as they greet Miss Frida.
“One of my favorite memories is seeing my friend’s excitement when she met others who loved Moth Night as much as she did,” Teddi wrote. “As for Miss Frida, I cherish the moments when members light up upon seeing her. They often ask to spend time with her after a long day, and it’s heartwarming to watch her bring them comfort and joy.”
Teddi loves that the program aligns with her passion for nature, education and giving back.
“As a cancer survivor and someone who has transformed my own yard into a haven for pollinators and wildlife, the program feels like a continuation of my personal journey—one that’s rooted in resilience, hope, and connection to the natural world,” Teddi wrote.
Amanda Medina, a member of the Texas Master Naturalist Heartwood Chapter, is thankful the TMN Program provides her the opportunity to be a Master Naturalist with her mom, Patricia Porterfield, a member of the Lindheimer Chapter.
“My mom has been a Texas Master Naturalist for many years. I double certified this year thanks to her guidance, encouragement and love of nature she instilled in me!” Amanda wrote. “I’ve learned so much from her, and have admired her work and passion for plants, birds, butterflies and all things nature related. She truly embodies the meaning of being a Texas Master Naturalist!”
Amanda loves the knowledge and passion she has found since joining and volunteering with the program. One of her favorite memories with the program was her mom attending her Master Naturalist certification ceremony.
Velma Schmidt, Texas Master Naturalist South Texas Border Chapter member, is thankful the TMN Program provides a way for her and her son, Robert, to volunteer together.
“My son and I took the class together two years ago and have enjoyed learning more about native plants, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife in the Rio Grande Valley,” Velma wrote. “My favorite memories are of us maintaining the butterfly garden, which he created as his Eagle Scout Project, in our neighborhood. We especially enjoy keeping track of the various birds, butterflies, and other wildlife that have come through the garden.”
Velma loves that the program provides a way for her to share her excitement for the outdoors with others while spending quality time volunteering with her son.
“I’m grateful the The TMN Program give my son and I a strong connection and passion for all things nature,” Velma wrote. “We continue to create wonderful memories when volunteering together at various parks and nature events.”
Texas Master Naturalist Brazos Valley Chapter member Ann Boehm is thankful the TMN Program gives her an opportunity to volunteer with her husband, Rodney.
“We have a joint interest which gives us the gift of leaving home and coming home together as opposed to me in one direction and he in another,” Ann wrote. “One of my favorite memories was watching Rodney come from the office in a button down shirt and start raking mulch for the local pollinator garden.”
Ann loves teaching others about native plants and pollinators as a Master Naturalist
“The TXMN program gets me outside, educates me and offers me friendship with likeminded individuals—which is a gift as it can be hard to connect with a community as an empty nester,” Ann wrote.
Meghan James, a member of the Texas Master Naturalist Highland Lakes Chapter, is thankful the TMN Program allows her to volunteer with her mom, Beth James.
“Both of us have always been avid outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers!” Meghan wrote. “It’s so much fun to share our experiences and stories and adventures together with others.”
Meghan has countless TMN adventures she will treasure, but one favorite memory was attending her chapter’s fall trip to the Davis Mountains.
When asked what the TMN Program means to her, Meghan wrote, “Everything. I love being able to learn all about our beautiful and diverse state and then help others learn and appreciate Texas more too.”
