Have you heard the news? We have received updated guidelines from the state that remove the space strictures for indoor meetings. We are working with our local venues to determine when they are open for meetings.
In order to determine how we proceed from here, we've created a survey for you. It should take less than three minutes to complete. Depending on the responses we receive, we may decide to host hybrid meetings for the short term, allowing you to still attend via Zoom.
The intern class already received a similiar survey to determine their meeting needs. This survey is specific to the monthly chapter meetings for all members, including interns. These meetings are where we hand out pins, handle chapter business, and have an advanced training presentation, as well as seeing friends!
You may be aware that several groups meet the first Wednesday of the month, conflicting with our meetings. That's why we've included a few questions about the day of the week and the week of the month you'd like to attend; we want to learn whether these conflicts are an issue for you.
But, of course, the primary question is whether you are ready to return to in-person meetings. Please respond to the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D3QQQJY
Virtual
This month, learn about Texas deer and chronic wasting disease.
Hear from Ryan Schoeneberg, a Texas Park and Wildlife Department biologist in the Big Game Program of the Wildlife Division. His duties include disease response, urban deer issues, and myriad of other tasks that deal with Big Game. View this video for a bit of background: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PjenGg-cCs
The project is being launched with the prompt: “Reflect upon how nature and specifically, the Texas Master Naturalist Program, has given you refuge or provided benefits in this past year.”
Rumor has it this is finally going to be in production. A press release announcing the plate is scheduled for June 19th, with the the order system going live on June 21st!
THIS WEEKJune 2, 6 - 7:30 pm, Heartwood Chapter Meeting Virtual
This month, learn about Texas deer and chronic wasting disease.
THIS WEEK June 3, 12 noon - 1 pm, Top 10 Most Threatening Brush and Weeds in Texas Virtual
From Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
During this webinar, participants will not only learn how invasive brush and weeds can threaten rangelands, but also tips and tricks to identifying the top weed and brush species in Texas. Presenter: Dr. Barron Rector
THIS WEEK June 5, 7:30 - 9:30 am, Spring Creek Nature Trail Bird Walk
Join Spring Creek Greenway Ambassador and published birder Joanne “JoJo” Bradbury on a bird walk on the first Saturday of every month.
Contact JoJo @ jojobirder@comcast.net for more information.
VMS Code: AT: Single Presentation – BLC Birding Walk
THIS WEEK June 5, 8:00 - 11:30 am, Jesse H Jones Kayaking and Far Bank Exploration
Join Monte Parks as we kayak to the far bank of Spring Creek. Monte Parks, during our chapter meeting in January, talked about the enormous trees and untouched landscape to be found across the creek. Seeing this is a rare opportunity.
Please meet us at the Jesse Jones Park canoe launch at 8am for a short kayak trip across the creek to the Montgomery County side of the high bluff to explore on foot untouched land, enormous trees, and freshwater springs. Because this land is uncut, be prepared to push through brush and understory vegetation. Please consider your activity level when planning to paddle and hike with us. Long pants and sturdy close-toed shoes are recommended. Bring a refillable water bottle, snacks/lunch.
THIS WEEK June 5, 9:00 - 11:00 am, Aquatic Invasive Plants Virtual
Learn how to manage these species and how to report your observations into the Texas Invasive Species Institute database.
This event is presented by The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department and sponsored by The Texas Invasive Species Institute at Sam Houston State University, Woodlands Water Agency, The Woodlands GREEN, and HEB.
Register for this class at the link below. You will be asked if you’d also like receive invitations to participate in removal workdays. Look for that box to check on the registration.
Recap of activities, including scholarship awards, Village Challenge awards, & library donations.
Advanced training: Going Green Lecture on a Climate Simulation Tool, ENROADS, by Roger Ingersoll
June 7, June 14, June 21, June 28, July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2
4:30 pm, Birding for Fun Series Virtual
Information about this series can be found on our calendar: https://txmn.org/heartwood/event/birding-for-fun/2021-06-07/June 29
9 am - 4 pm, Aquatic WILD Workshop Dennis Johnston Park Anyone who works with children, including teachers, homeschoolers, informal educators, day care providers, and scout leaders is welcome. Cost is free, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. More information can be found here on our website, and here on the Aquatic WILD page.
Intern class of 2021: Try a variety of volunteer experiences so that you learn where your passions lie. You are encouraged to participate in any and all of the following opportunities!
THIS WEEK June 3, 2 - 4 pm
Watershed Project Committee
In lieu of the June Committee Meeting, make plans to attend the Spring Creek Watershed Protection Plan Meeting.
Area stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the development of a Watershed Protection Plan that will outline locally-supported, voluntary strategies for reducing sources of pollution in Spring Creek and its tributaries. At this meeting, stakeholders will have the opportunity to review and suggest revisions to the first draft of the Watershed Protection Plan document. Register today to make your voice heard!
Our Watershed Project Committee will meet at our usual time again in July.
THIS WEEKKleb Woods Nature Preserve and Center
Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m. -- 11:30 a.m.
Explore the beauty of Kleb Woods while tackling invasives, maintaining trails, and working in the demonstration gardens. THIS WEEK WG Jones State Forest Nursery and Pollinator Garden
Honeysuckle leaf blight, caused by the fungal pathogen Insolibasidium deformans, is a disease that affects honeysuckle species, particularly invasive Asian bush honeysuckle like Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii). We (researchers at the University of Kentucky and Northern Kentucky University) are interested in the distribution and prevalence of the disease and the diversity, host range, and virulence of the pathogen.
We are reaching out to ask for your help in mapping where honeysuckle leaf blight can be found. All you need to do is go for a walk, find your nearest honeysuckle bush (which
Have you heard the news? We have received updated guidelines from the state that remove the space strictures for indoor meetings. We are working with our local venues to determine when they are open for meetings. 
