Heartwood Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist

Our chapter meeting presentation by Terry & RT Fitch on their trip to Mexico to see the Monarch sanctuaries was fascinating. It was a full crowd in the room plus many others participated online.
Here is how we can help these enchanting creatures.

Dragonflies and damselflies are beautiful creatures! What other words would you use to describe and define them?

Happy National Dragonfly Day! Did you know there are over 150 different types of dragonflies in Texas? That's almost half of the 327 known species in North America!

Our Texas Master Naturalist logo is the Cyrano Darner (Nasiaeschna pentacantha)—named after the literary character Cyrano de Bergerac for its long forehead and distinct nose.

To learn more about the Cyrano Darner and the history of our logo, visit: https://txmn.tamu.edu/chapter-resources/tmn-brand-marketing/

*The dragonfly pictured is a Halloween pennant*

We had a great Chapter meeting last night covering monthly business, handing out certification in milestone pins, and hearing a great presentation on Monarchs in Mexico by RT and Terry Fitch.

The Living Near Bats Community Workshop in Huntsville on June 27 is for those interested in knowing more about how to live with bats in your community. The workshop is a free and excellent resource with an knowledgeable lineup of presenters.
Registration is not required but requested for planning. The agenda is included if you can only come for a portion.
For local Texas Master Naturalists this will count as Advanced Training and may count as CEU's for some professions.

Check out the programs at Huntsville State Park in June!

June events.

Weather predictions are still up and down. So be prepared and we will try to communicate any cancellations. One thing you can count on, Heat and Humidity. Stay hydrated out there.

The Heartwood Chapter is participating in an Acoustic Bat Monitoring project for TPWD and NABat to determine what species of bats we have in our area. The team has received help to identify sites from our members, interns, and word of mouth. Thanks to all and keep the suggestions coming. We have 4 weeks to go!

Join us for this presentation on the Monarch butterfly migration. Local naturalists, Terry and RT Fitch, journeyed to Mexico to see where the monarch overwinter. They will share their photos and experiences. The public is welcome. Come early at 6pm to socialize.

The meeting is also virtual on Zoom. Check our website at txmn.org/heartwood for the Zoom link.

Our Heartwood Chapter members volunteer to maintain pollinator gardens in our community. These gardens with native plants and flowers attract and nurture butterflies, bees, and many others.

Please visit these gardens and join us if you'd like to volunteer!

World Bee Day 2026 is celebrated on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. This international observance aims to raise awareness of the vital role bees and pollinators play in ecosystem health and food security.
Things you can do:
• Create bee-friendly gardens with native plants and flowers
• For inspiration, visit the local pollinator gardens that our Heartwood chapter created and maintains at W.G. Jones State Forest and in Montgomery’s Memory Park
• Support local beekeepers
• Educate others on the importance of pollinators