Dragonflyer #73 – June 2018

A Message from our President

Bruce Stewart summarizes the role of the citizen scientist as it has developed through the centuries, and reminds us of what we can do to continue this valuable work in the community. Read the article here (https://public.ntmn.org/presidents-message-what-is-old-is-new-again) .

New Look, Same Dragonflyer!

As Newsletter Editor, I have the opportunity to read up on the chapter’s happenings before anyone else. And, as our sometimes 14-page .pdfs have proven, we are a busy chapter! Well, we assume you’re just as busy doing outdoor things, or nature-related things, or family things, or… well, you get it. We want to provide you with the information you want, in an easy to read and search format.

From now on, we’ll be hosting our Dragonflyer-worthy content on our NTMN website (https://public.ntmn.org/) , and then sending you the most current info and happenings straight to your inbox. Read the articles you want. Skip over the ones that don’t apply to you. And, you can always check in on our website if you want to know more.

Let us know what you think: ne********@**mn.org (mailto:ne********@**mn.org).

I want to hear from you!

Jennifer Weisensel
NTMN Newsletter Editor
NTMN Class of 2008

Next Month is our Summer Social!

Join us on July 11th at Texas Discovery Gardens in Fair Park as we not only have our annual summer social, but we will also be celebrating 20 YEARS as a TMN chapter! Enjoy a pot luck dinner, conversing with fellow members, an ice cream contest, and displays and games that highlight our 20-year history. Click here (https://public.ntmn.org/2018-summer-social-on-july-11-at-630pm) for more information and to sign up to volunteer for the social.

Wednesday, July 11th starting at 6:30 pm at Texas Discovery Gardens. See you then!
Vice President Rose Mercer competing at the 2017 Summer Social’s annual seed spitting contest.

Volunteer Projects At a Glance

Spring Big Chapter Project (https://public.ntmn.org/spring-big-chapter-project-at-lakewood-outdoor-learning-area-by-ginger-greatens)
On March 31st at the Spring Big Chapter Project, 40 dedicated, enthusiastic Master Naturalists joined together to plant 25 native trees and 120 native plants.

City Nature Challenge (https://public.ntmn.org/city-nature-challenge-by-sam-kieschnick)
Our own TPWD Advisor, Sam Kieschnick, gives his always enthusiastic account of the City Nature Challenge; it’s purpose, it’s value, and it’s results.

Quarterly Volunteer Award Winner – Natha Taylor

In Jim Folger’s article (https://public.ntmn.org/natha-taylor-historic-birder) , he notes that Natha is the “gold medalist” of birding and historian duties, and scrapbook extraordinare. Read about her efforts as a NTMN since 2001.

Native Prairie Walks

This year in April and May, the annual Native Plants & Prairies Day morphed into Native Prairie Walks (https://public.ntmn.org/native-prairie-walks). Several NTMNs volunteered for this effort, and its success can be measured by the amount of attendees that appeared throughout Dallas County to learn about native plants and walked away as outdoor enthusiasts.

Fall Class Happenings

Have you heard about the new fall class at Mountain View College? Registration is open through June 20^th. A lot of hard work has gone into making this class a reality. More information here (https://public.ntmn.org/fall-class-at-mountain-view-college) .

The Media Room

Here we’ll post photos and videos and such by our great photo committee and video committee members. This issue:

Spring Big Chapter Project (https://www.flickr.com/photos/128346633@N02/albums/72157665507290577)

Native Prairie Walks (https://www.flickr.com/photos/128346633@N02/albums/72157694748953241)

Save the Date for the TMN Annual Meeting in Georgetown, Texas

Are you an active NTMN member? Save the Date for the Annual Meeting in Georgetown, October 26 – 28th.

Call for proposals has ended, but there is still time to develop your submission for scrapbook, photos, videos, and several other contests. Coming soon to the Annual Conference website (https://txmn.org/2018-annual-meeting/) .

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Parting Shot – NTMN volunteers at work at the Spring BCP.