In 2021, The Texas Master Naturalist Program is kicking off a NEW event series – #TMNTuesdays!
On the Second Tuesday of each month at the noon hour (12PM Central Standard Time), the TMN State Office will offer an hour-long virtual advanced training event (sometimes including some fantastic new and returning guest speakers). Click each month below to be taken directly to each event for more information:
January 12 | February 9 | March 9 | April 13 | May 11 | June 8 | July 13 | August 10 | September 14 | November 9 | December 14
Join us for our Be The Change monthly mini-series as part of TMNTuesday events!
September
The Secret Life of Squirrels
Squirrels are so common that we take them for granted, but they really live fascinating lives. For example, did you know that Eastern Gray Squirrels are one of the few animal species known to lie to deceive others, tree squirrels have built-in sunglasses, and flying squirrels are vicious predators? These ubiquitous and adaptable creatures are a great way to introduce wildlife topics to an urban audience, and in this class you’ll learn engaging facts about squirrel anatomy, ecology, and behavior to share with the public. We will focus on three Houston species: Eastern Gray, Fox, and Southern Flying.
Kelsey Low, Adult Programs Manager at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Here are some of the studies that Kelsey mentioned:
August
Join us August 10th for a special talk ten years after the fire in Bastrop State Park, by Wade Powell.
Fire in the Pines: The Past, Present and Future of Fire in Bastrop State Park
We will discuss the fire dependent ecosystem in the park including the conditions that led to the historic wildfire of 2011 and its effects on that ecosystem. We will look at the restoration techniques currently being applied and what best management practices will keep fire a healthy part of the landscape. Participants will be empowered to manage and advocate for resilient habitats.
July
Join us this July 13th, 2021 to learn all about water resources in Texas with Texas Water Resources Institute research specialist Clare Escamilla!
Texas Watershed Protection Planning: Addressing Water Quality and Quantity Issues in Texas
The presentation will provide background on water resources in Texas and how it is managed through state and regional planning. We’ll provide an overview of water quality in Texas and what is being done to improve water quality around Texas. Topics include: watershed protection planning, targeting mailings, and educational programs. There will also be a discussion on what individuals and groups can do to conserve water, prevent nonpoint source pollution, and volunteer with organizations in the future.
June
This month we get to celebrate the dragonfly, as we bring in TWPD Urban Biologist Sam Kieschnick.
Dragonflies: Pond Patrol
Beautiful, intricate, active predators throughout their lives, the best natural mosquito control, and numerous in Texas – dragonflies! Sam will lead us in an exploration of these amazing insects. Learn all about their biology, their importance in the ecosystem, and how they do what they do. We’ll also talk about how to document these predators and learn how to fill in some of the data gaps of their distribution. Hopefully, we’ll guide you in some new and fun ways to appreciate these magnificent critters while also contributing to their conservation and management!
May
We’re looking forward to hosting Chris Schenck, the Statewide Prescribed Fire Program Leader in Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Wildlife Division.
Why Burn? Fire History and Fire Effects
Most people are naturally afraid of fire and with some good reasons. But fire carefully applied to the land at the right time and conditions can return things to their natural functioning conditions. This is what Prescribed Fire is and rekindling a “Burn Culture in Texas” is so very important. Texas Master Naturalist can play a key role in this effort.
Resources Shared by the Presenter:
Videos to watch – “Land in Balance” and “The Business of Burning“
April
Impacts of Winter Storm Uri on Texas Fish & Wildlife
It’s been more than a month since Winter Storm Uri swept across Texas, but many are still feeling the aftershocks caused by this historic event, especially our wildlife. Come learn about the changes in flora and fauna after the storm (including a citizen science project hosted on iNaturalist) and whether or not we should be expecting similar events as the new normal. We have an excellent lineup of speakers this month from Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Office of the Texas State Climatologist, and Texas SeaGrant.
This month’s #TMNTuesday is a special 3-hour event that you don’t want to miss! Open to the public! Share this with your fellow naturalists!
Download the printable schedule and press release here.
March
Birdability: because birding is for everybody and every body!
Birding is an activity that can bring so much joy and empowerment to everybody, but not everybody is able to go birding easily. Birdability is a non-profit organization focused on removing barriers to access for birders with mobility challenges, blindness or low vision, intellectual or developmental disabilities (including autism), mental illness, being Deaf or Hard of Hearing and other health concerns; and bringing the joy of birding to people with disabilities and other health concerns who aren’t yet birders. Learn about why this should matter to you (even if you don’t have an accessibility challenge), ways to be a more welcoming and inclusive birder, the Birdability Map (and how to submit a Birdability Site Review) and our resources for birders (and potential future birders) with accessibility challenges… because birding is for everybody and every body! Learn more and find resources at birdability.org
Freya McGregor (pictured), OTR/L, is the Birdability Coordinator and Occupational Therapist. Birding since childhood, her ‘dodgy’ knee often creates an accessibility challenge for her, and she is passionate about enabling all birders and potential future birders to enjoy birding and nature as much as she does.
| Event: | #TMNTuesdays – March 2021 |
| Date and time: | Tuesday, March 9, 2021 12:00 pm Central Standard Time (Chicago, GMT-06:00) |
February
February’s focus is all about “Nature’s Best Hope.” Particularly, how us humans are nature’s best hope by doing something as simple as turning your yard from an ecological desert into a thriving native oasis. Dr. Doug Tallamy (pictured right) will not only provide the information about his experiences, but he’ll also discuss practical tools that each of you can implement in your own backyards, whether you’re a Texas Master Naturalist or not. Interested in these grass-root approaches to conservation at the local level? Want to help native species by creating wildlife corridors in your own backyard? Then this #TMNTuesday seminar session is for you!
Doug Tallamy is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 103 research publications and has taught insect related courses for 40 years. Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities. Doug has received many awards for his work, and his new book ‘Nature’s Best Hope’ is a New York Times Best Seller.
| Event: | #TMNTuesdays – February 2021 |
| Date and time: | Tuesday, February 9, 2021 12:00 pm Central Standard Time (Chicago, GMT-06:00) |
January
It’s a NEW Year and new year’s resolutions is a focus for our January TMN Tuesday. In our first monthly #TMNTuesday, we cover a short ‘State of the Program’ summary of 2020 and major focus areas for the coming year. With the remainder of the January TMN Tuesday all about becoming better leaders, both within your chapters and within the communities.
Join us to hear Michelle Haggerty, the Texas Master Naturalist State Program Coordinator, and Mary Pearl Meuth, the Assistant State Program Coordinator, lead a one-hour discussion on Chapter leadership and growth as we head into the new year. Whether you’re a seasoned member, a newly-elected leader within a chapter, are interested in becoming a chapter leader in the future, or simply want to learn more about leadership and growth within the program, then this month’s session is for you!
| Event: | #TMNTuesdays – January 2021 |
| Date and time: | Tuesday, January 12, 2021 12:00 pm Central Standard Time (Chicago, GMT-06:00) |
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