Upcoming Speakers

Chapter Meeting Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

Sep 19, 2024 | Chapter Meeting, Next Speaker, Upcoming Speakers

Coyote Coexistence: Living in Harmony with America’s Song Dog

A lone coyote in a Dallas neighborhood

Coyotes are highly resilient creatures able to adapt to threats and acclimate themselves in almost every environment, including cities and suburbs. As a keystone carnivore, coyotes play a critical role helping to maintain healthy ecosystems and species diversity. This presentation will look at the current challenges coyotes face in a rapidly evolving human-centric landscape. We’ll examine the coyotes’ seasonal behaviors that often influence increased sightings and dispel some of the most common myths. In conclusion, we’ll discuss proactive methods we can use to help avoid negative encounters with coyotes.

Speaker Name: Karin and Robert Saucedo

Speaker Bios:

Karin Saucedo is a published wildlife conservation photographer born and raised in Dallas. She’s especially passionate about wild canids and felids and she spends a lot of her time studying wildlife behavior through observation and also remotely through camera traps. Karin’s images have been used to educate the public about coexisting with urban wildlife, to document wild canid field research and to create awareness about exotic animal ownership, breeding and exploitation. Most recently she’s been published in the book to accompany the film, Deep in the Heart: A Texas Wildlife Story, by Ben Masters, and also Wild DFW: Explore the Amazing Nature Around Dallas Fort Worth, by Amy Martin. Karin is the Texas State Coordinator for Project Coyote and works with The Canid Project as their Texas Outreach Representative. She’s been volunteering at In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue for 13 years and serves on the Advisory Committee for Texas Native Cats. She’s a Texas Master Naturalist with the Blackland Prairie Chapter and is a Partner Photographer for Panthera.

Photography Website: karinsaucedo.com

Coyote Education and Awareness: songdogwatch.org

Instagram: @karinsaucedo

Roberto Saucedo is a life-long Texan, born and raised in El Paso and currently living in DFW. He has a background in creative marketing and has used that ability to hone skills in his passion for telling stories though wildlife & conservation photography. For the last 8 years, he has documented coyote behavior throughout north Texas through observation, photography and camera traps. Together with his wife Karin, Roberto serves on the Advisory Committee for Texas Native Cats and he also volunteers at In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue.

Photography Website: robertosaucedo.com

Coyote Education and Awareness: songdogwatch.org

Instagram: @rbtsaucedo

Meeting Information:

Schedule:

6:30 Camera Roll and Socializing
7:00 Introduction and Announcements
7:20 Featured Presentation
8:45 Adjournment

Join us live at Dallas College Brookhaven Campus, Building H, Room 125. Campus map. Or participate via Zoom — register here

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YYrIG6mbRPejj9boJ9kQxg

(If you are attending in person, you don’t need to register for Zoom.)

Or join us in south Dallas at Dallas College Mountain View Campus for a watch gathering: Building S (Administrative offices), Room 1029. (Mountain View Campus map).

Note: It is best to enter the Mountain View campus from Duncanville Road; there is construction but you can park directly in front of the S building. Room 1029 is on the lower level, continue down past the administration areas and turn left once you see a Subway and go down short hallway.

Camera Roll:
As usual, show up or tune in between 6:30 and 7 pm for an array of photos by TMNs. Send your favorite photos to the Camera Roll.

Image descriptions or captions (provided for context):

Lone coyote in a Dallas neighborhood

Roberto & Karin Saucedo sitting in a field with their cameras waiting to spot a coyote at dusk.

Chapter Meeting – Wednesday, August 7th, 2024

Jul 14, 2024 | Chapter Meeting, Upcoming Speakers

DFW Airport Sustainability

At the meeting on Wednesday, August 7 our Speaker, Sarah Ziomek, Enterprise Sustainability Programs Manager at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, will provide an overview of the Airport’s sustainability management plan and several of its key programs with a focus on water and biodiversity initiatives.

Waterfall at DFW Airport

Our Speaker: Sarah Ziomek

Sarah Ziomek is the Enterprise Sustainability Programs Manager at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW Airport) and is responsible for developing DFW’s sustainability strategy for carbon, energy, resilience, waste, biodiversity, and water management. Sarah also leads the Airport’s waste and recycling, environmental grants, and air quality programs. She supports the Airport’s strategic partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as the DFW lead on projects related to energy optimization and renewables integration for buildings and fleets.

Sarah received her B.S. and M.S. in Environmental Science from Texas Christian University. She is a Certified Ecologist and has served in the capacity of environmental scientist and wetland specialist. Her previous experience includes environmental consulting for multiple industries as well as work for the Botanical Research Institute of Texas and the National Park Service. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time outdoors playing tennis, cycling, and backpacking.

Zoom Registration: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KNSi1ASYRkSnsXKcUWRgXg

Schedule:

6:30 Camera Roll and Socializing

7:00 Introduction and Announcements

7:20 Featured Presentation

8:45 Adjournment

Join us at Dallas College Brookhaven Campus, Building H, Room 125. Campus map. Or participate via Zoom — register here. (If you are attending in person, you don’t need to register for Zoom.)

Or join us in south Dallas at Dallas College Mountain View Campus, Building S (Administrative offices), Room 1029. (Mountain View Campus map).

Please bring snacks at 6:30 p.m. to share with others! (at both locations)

Chapter Meeting – Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024

Mar 25, 2024 | Chapter Meeting, Next Speaker, Upcoming Speakers

How Spending Time in Nature Can Boost Mental Health and Save the Planet

Explore the profound mental health benefits of immersing oneself in nature. Research has shown that spending time in natural environments can have a positive impact on overall well-being and significantly improve mental health. The presentation highlights the “Wellness in Nature” program, offered by the Elm Fork Chapter, which specifically caters to individuals with memory loss and their caregivers in the community. Through a combination of guided nature activities and therapeutic interventions, the program aims to enhance the quality of life, reduce stress, and foster a sense of connection and respite for those facing memory-related challenges.

Attendees will gain insights into the therapeutic value of nature-based interventions and the transformative power of engaging with the natural world for individuals and their caregivers dealing with memory loss.

Presenters:

Dr. Michele Steigleder is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. She has been in the mental health field since 1987. After having several family members and friends diagnosed with dementia, Dr.Steigleder “retooled” and applied her years of experience to develop expertise in the psychological treatment of dementia for patients and their families. She is an invited speaker on understanding and caring for dementia patients for HomeHealth and Hospice organizations and also supervises therapists in training for the Psychology Department at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Psychology Department. Dr.Steigleder has an additional certification in Tele-mental Health which allows her to ethically and confidentially provide psychological treatment using the Internet. Dr.Steigleder is certified by the National Council of Dementia Care Providers (NCCDP) as a Dementia Care Provider specialist.

Matt Brown is an accomplished executive with over 25 years of experience in advisory services and entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a successful track record of assisting companies in achieving growth and has been instrumental in architecting and implementing organizational transformations that have generated millions in additional revenue and savings. Through his work, Matt is dedicated to creating life-changing opportunities for investors, entrepreneurs, and individuals with shared experiences and pursuits.

Born and raised in Nebraska with a strong work ethic and a sense of community, Matt has a genuine passion for meeting new people, hearing their stories, and collaborating with creative individuals to solve problems. He has an MBA in Sustainability Leadership and an MEd in Educational Leadership. Matt holds certifications as a Project Management Professional, a Six Sigma Black Belt, and a Texas Master Naturalist.
Currently residing near Dallas, TX, Matt finds joy in various activities that encompass his diverse range of interests. He is an avid runner, rider, scuba diver, and cook and is wildly interested in dogs, sustainability, the outdoors, wildlife, travel, art, start-ups, teaching/mentoring, and problem-solving.

Zoom Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5zXg6WrQS5aV28U2-SfoVQ

Schedule:

6:30 Camera Roll and Socializing
7:00 Introduction and Announcements
7:20 Featured Presentation
8:45 Adjournment

Join us at Dallas College Brookhaven Campus, Building H, Room 125. Campus map. Or participate via Zoom — register here. (If you are attending in person, you don’t need to register for Zoom.)

Or join us in south Dallas at Dallas College Mountain View Campus, Building S (Administrative offices), Room 1029. (Mountain View Campus map).

Please bring snacks at 6:30 p.m. to share with others! (at both locations)

March 6, 2024 Chapter Meeting & March 10th Birding Opportunity at TRAC

Mar 6, 2024 | Chapter Meeting, Chapter Meeting Field Trips, Next Speaker, Uncategorized, Upcoming Speakers

Discovering the Joy of Birding

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Spending time in nature is essential for our well-being and we are genetically inclined to prefer nature, having spent thousands of years of evolution before the development of modern cities. Humans have evolved with birds and their songs and seeing birds in nature makes us happy because when they are thriving, we are reassured that we can also thrive.

In north Texas, we are lucky in that we live within a major migration flyway and we have lots of opportunities to see unique migrating birds. We will discuss nearby locations excellent for birding and the best times to see migrating birds.

Birding is a social act and gateway to a deeper connection to nature. To be a birder is to engage with birds and people to create a shared experience of being present in the moment. Through birding, we find stillness and a connection between the natural world and each other. Birding can bring us a sense of awe and humility, greater self-awareness and a sense of attachment and responsibility as advocates for the natural world.

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_W12k0cdCQbqb6m3-77LsIA

Schedule:

6:30 Camera Roll and Socializing
7:00 Introduction and Announcements
7:20 Featured Presentation
8:45 Adjournment

Join us at Dallas College Brookhaven Campus, Building H, Room 125. Campus map. Or participate via Zoom — register here. (If you are attending in person, you don’t need to register for Zoom.)

Or join us in south Dallas at Dallas College Mountain View Campus, Building S (Administrative offices), Room 1029. (Mountain View Campus map).

Please bring snacks at 6:30 p.m. to share with others! (at both locations)

Green Jay (Cyanocoraxync as seen in south Texas)

Field Trip – Birding Opportunity, Sunday, March 10th at TRAC

Enjoy Birding at Trinity River Audubon Center on Sunday, March 10th, 6500 S Great Trinity Forest Way, Dallas, TX 75217. Meet at 8:00 am in the Audubon Center lobby. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather.

We will have a short talk and small group bird walks with tour leaders, Caleb Hinojos, Karen Carpenter, Nathan May, Natha Taylor and Reba Collins. Sign up at https://volunteersignup.org/FAJ3X

Speakers:

Karen Carpenter:

Karen’s love of birds and birding led her to pursue Master Naturalist designation in the NTMN class of 2023. She is passionate about bird conservation and outreach to create a safer world for the birds that she loves.

Natha Taylor:

Natha Taylor has been a NTMN since 2001, serving as president for the chapter in 2008-2009.  Served as Chapter Historian/ Archivist, 2003-2017, producing State Conference award-winning scrapbooks from 2013-2017.  Began Birding 101 in 2005 with 4 other birder enthusiasts from the class of 2001.  Birding 101 has introduced over 300 people to the joys of birding.  

Nathan May:

Nathan May is an educator at the Trinity River Audubon Center and a member of NTMN, class of 2023. Nathan has also worked with Texas Conservation Alliance leading bird collision surveys downtown for the Lights Out Dallas program. He’s a Blackland Prairie devotee through and through, but he must confess that it was a trip to the Gulf Coast Prairie that first set him on this path, introducing him to his “spark bird,” the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken. Nathan is excited to share in the thrills and excitement that birding in DFW provides.

Camera Roll: As usual, show up or tune in between 6:30 and 7 pm for an array of photos by TMNs & socialize with all.

June 7, 2023 Chapter Meeting

May 14, 2023 | Chapter Meeting, Chapter Meeting Field Trips, Next Speaker, Upcoming Speakers

A Beekeeper’s Exploration of Bees and Invasion Ecology

a bumblebee and a honeybee nectaring on purple flowers

Born into a cattle family with a childhood split between the urban life in Dallas and running wild in the Texas Hill Country, Ryan Giesecke grew up and enrolled in Master Beekeeper training & Master Naturalist training, and then continued his education with an expansive personal exploration of ecological topics. All of these experiences are reflected in this effort to organize his thoughts on human transport of species and associated impacts, to examine conservation efforts and wildlife management through the lens of agricultural knowledge, and to understand humanity’s role in food webs and our place in nature. This is an ecology talk, based in bees but ultimately asking the question “where do we all belong?”

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_f1Chx42sTb64qJBdMwtQAw

Schedule:

6:30 Camera Roll and Socializing
7:00 Introduction and Announcements
7:20 Featured Presentation
8:45 Adjournment

Join us at Dallas College Brookhaven Campus, Building H, Room 125. Campus map. Or participate via Zoom — register here. If you are attending in person, you don’t need to register for Zoom.

Supplemental Activity: Tour of a Dallas Urban Homestead Project, Saturday, June 10th at 10 a.m.

Please join Ryan for a tour of G-Bar Naturals, his family’s home, agricultural project, and a space for urban nature. Alongside their bee hives, they raise free-range chickens and ducks with a focus on food production, as well as registered Kune Kune pigs, all overseen by his family and their livestock guardian dogs. They make a distinct effort to balance space between domesticates and such unmanaged flora and fauna as life in the middle of Dallas provides. Wild neighbors with whom they’ve achieved a tentative balance include the local coyote population, hawks and owls, aquatic predators, and the ever-present privet. A branch of Ash Creek runs through the property, dammed twice to create ponds where ducks dodge turtles and occasional otters, and periodic beavers munch on privet and tallow. Here you will find neither backyard garden nor native restoration project, but nature as it exists on a small urban farm of sorts.

The tour will be Saturday, June 10 at 10:00 a.m. at Ryan’s property in East Dallas. Please sign up at volunteersignup.org/WD7WC

Information about the location and access will be provided to those who register.

Our Speaker

Ryan owns and operates G-Bar Naturals, an urban homestead project located in East Dallas. From there he periodically offers homegrown products and learning opportunities, as well as performing bee-friendly removals of honey bees and bumblebees as “Honey Bee Relocation Services.” Ryan loves to talk bees, and has done so all across the state. He is president of Texas Association of Professional Bee Removers, past president of Trinity Valley Beekeepers Association in Dallas, past president of Metro Beekeepers Association in Fort Worth, and is a Texas Master Beekeeper. He has taught classes on bees at area colleges, and is currently at work on a first book about bees.

Backyard Birding & Audubon’s 123rd Christmas Bird Count

Nov 18, 2022 | Chapter Meeting, Next Speaker, Upcoming Speakers

December 7, 2022 Chapter Meeting

Backyard Birding & Audubon’s 123rd Christmas Bird Count

House Finch seen during last year’s Christmas Bird Count. Photo: Luke Franke/Audubon

On Wednesday, December 7th, our speakers Marcus Cole and David Hurt will talk about birds and birding!

Audubon’s 123rd Christmas Bird Count: Leading off the meeting, Marcus Cole, of the Trinity River Audubon Center, will give a short talk on the bird count and how to become involved. Audubon’s 123rd Christmas Bird Count will be held from Dec 14, 2022, to January 5, 2023! https://www.audubon.org/conservation/join-christmas-bird-count

Backyard Birding: After Marcus Cole’s presentation, David Hurt will talk about how to enjoy the pleasures of backyard birding by teaching NTMN members the easiest ways to quickly attract birds.

In a show-and-tell presentation, David will discuss the best ways to feed birds in a small space such as a suburban backyard and review different bird food types, including tips about the likes and dislikes of various birds. He will touch on the best ways to provide moving water sources, and, of course, talk about squirrels.

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rxdHGpOBSyypyycIdGlpFA

Schedule:

6:30 Camera Roll and Socializing
7:00 Introduction and Announcements
7:20 Featured Presentation
8:45 Adjournment

Join us at Dallas College Brookhaven Campus, Building H, Room 126. Campus map, Or participate via Zoom — register here. (If you are attending in person, you don’t need to register for Zoom.)

Our Speakers

Marcus Cole began his career with National Audubon Society as an intern in 2016. After completion of his undergraduate education at the University of North Texas at Dallas, Marcus is now an educator and live animal coordinator at Trinity River Audubon Center. His passion to serve and nurture underdeveloped communities is realized within the green spaces of Dallas.

Marcus Cole prepares to plant some native prairie plants.

From an early age, David Hurt had an affection for creatures with feathers. Raised in the Texas Hill Country at Lake Belton, David participated in 4H and FAA. “Peterson’s First Guide to Birds of Texas” was a favorite book that David poured over as a youth. David turned his passion for birding into a career, opening his store Wild Birds Unlimited soon after graduating in 1991 from The University of Texas with a Bachelor in Business Administration. He is a member of the North Texas Master Naturalist class of 2020. David often is found at in southwest Dallas County at Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center and Cedar Ridge Preserve. He serves on the boards of both organizations.

David Hurt showing off the Dogwood flowers.

Camera Roll:
As usual, show up or tune in between 6:30 and 7 pm for an array of photos by TMNs. Send your favorite photos to the Camera Roll.

Nature at Night

Oct 24, 2022 | Chapter Meeting Field Trips, Next Speaker, Upcoming Speakers

November 2, 2022 Chapter Meeting

Nature at Night

A raccoon at night. Photo by Jack Bulmer – Pixabay

On Wednesday, November 2nd, our speakers Sam Kieschnick, Rachel Richter, Michael Smith, and Jake Poinsett will explore how nocturnal wildlife species are adapted to nocturnal living and what the impact of light (or noise) pollution has on them. These initial inquiries will spark an extended discussion and Q&A session.

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zUM2naAzRj6MuK1iwJA3Pw

Schedule:

6:30 Camera Roll and Socializing
7:00 Introduction and Announcements
7:20 Featured Presentation
8:45 Adjournment

Join us at Dallas College Brookhaven Campus, Building H, Room 126. Campus map, Or participate via Zoom — register here. (If you are attending in person, you don’t need to register for Zoom.)

Nature at Night Field Trip:

On Saturday, November 5th, we will have a night hike/exploration with Sam at Harry Moss Park in Dallas. We hope to find lots of nocturnal critters. Detailed information about this gathering will be discussed at the chapter meeting.

Our Speakers

Sam Kieschnick is an Urban Wildlife Biologist with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, serving the east side of the DFW metroplex. Sam holds a Master’s Degree from Tarleton State University and has previously worked as a nature educator for the City of Mansfield, a naturalist at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, a science interpreter with the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, a biologist with BRIT, and as an instructor at Weatherford College.

Rachel Richter is an Urban Wildlife Biologist for Texas Parks and Wildlife in DFW. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Texas A&M and a Master’s Degree in Wildlife Ecology from Texas State University. As an Urban Wildlife Biologist, she focuses on making our communities more wildlife friendly through educational outreach and providing technical guidance.

Michael Smith is a licensed Psychological Associate who has always had a strong interest in nature and has interests in ecotherapy and mindfulness in nature. He has some museum and zoo experience and authored two books on reptiles and amphibians. He teaches herpetology to Master Naturalists and maintains a blog and website at www.livesinnature.com.

Jake Poinsett is the Program Manager for the Trinity River Audubon Center. Before working for the National Audubon Society, he was a park ranger for Texas Parks and Wildlife, South Carolina Park Service, and the National Park Service. When he’s not birding at work, he’s birding on his days off.

Camera Roll:
As usual, show up or tune in between 6:30 and 7 pm for an array of photos by TMNs. Send your favorite photos to the Camera Roll.

Arabic	Hebrew	Polish
Bulgarian	Hindi	Portuguese
Catalan	Hmong Daw	Romanian
Chinese Simplified	Hungarian	Russian
Chinese Traditional	Indonesian	Slovak
Czech	Italian	Slovenian
Danish	Japanese	Spanish
Dutch	Klingon	Swedish
English	Korean	Thai
Estonian	Latvian	Turkish
Finnish	Lithuanian	Ukrainian
French	Malay	Urdu
German	Maltese	Vietnamese
Greek	Norwegian	Welsh
Haitian Creole	Persian

Arabic	Hebrew	Polish
Bulgarian	Hindi	Portuguese
Catalan	Hmong Daw	Romanian
Chinese Simplified	Hungarian	Russian
Chinese Traditional	Indonesian	Slovak
Czech	Italian	Slovenian
Danish	Japanese	Spanish
Dutch	Klingon	Swedish
English	Korean	Thai
Estonian	Latvian	Turkish
Finnish	Lithuanian	Ukrainian
French	Malay	Urdu
German	Maltese	Vietnamese
Greek	Norwegian	Welsh
Haitian Creole	Persian

Upcoming Speakers

Chapter Meeting Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

Chapter Meeting – Wednesday, August 7th, 2024

DFW Airport Sustainability

Chapter Meeting – Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024

How Spending Time in Nature Can Boost Mental Health and Save the Planet

Please bring snacks at 6:30 p.m. to share with others! (at both locations)

March 6, 2024 Chapter Meeting & March 10th Birding Opportunity at TRAC

Discovering the Joy of Birding

Field Trip – Birding Opportunity, Sunday, March 10th at TRAC

Speakers:

June 7, 2023 Chapter Meeting

A Beekeeper’s Exploration of Bees and Invasion Ecology

Backyard Birding & Audubon’s 123rd Christmas Bird Count

December 7, 2022 Chapter Meeting

Backyard Birding & Audubon’s 123rd Christmas Bird Count

Our Speakers

Nature at Night

November 2, 2022 Chapter Meeting

Nature at Night

Our Speakers

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