Volunteer Projects

A statewide citizen science project to monitor water quality in partnership with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency, Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, and Texas State University. Trained citizen monitors assist professionals by collecting water quality data on lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, bays, bayous and estuaries in Texas. Stream Team also participates in environmental education events for students and adults and promotes positive communication within the community about water resource protection.

Bat Project Acoustic Monitoring is a citizen science project initiated by Texas Nature Trackers to do acoustic monitoring of bats statewide. Each participating chapter has one or more project coordinators to help guide activity within their chapter. The "Bat Project...

A major singular effort, normally an annual or semi-annual event, on the part of NTMN members to improve, restore, preserve, create areas that have a nature-related focal point and/or educational component such as wildscapes, native plant gardens, trails, ponds,...

An event in which Master Naturalists, wildlife biologists, other scientists and community members work together to locate and identify as many species of flora and fauna possible of a specified area in a set range of time. Volunteers identify and report the different...

Description of Project: A rehabilitation hospital/facility for injured raptors and education of the public about birds of prey and their role in nature within our North Texas environment. The center provides an education center open to the public and conducts dozens...

A research center for scientists as well as an education venue for the community. BRIT consists of a herbarium with over a million plant specimens, a botanical library with over 125,000 volumes of books and journals, classrooms, work and exhibit areas. BRIT is...

A pollinator garden with native plants and nectar-producing flowers, including milkweed, which will attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators and a demonstration garden for outreach and education. Volunteers advise and assist with design, installation and...

Guides provide tours of the Native Texas Park, educating visitors about reclaiming the Blackland Prairie Habitat, the importance of using native and adapted plants, hydrology/conservation of water, invasive species, birds, and insects, and specific seasonal emphasis....

Campo Santo de Cemento Grande is a historic graveyard in West Dallas. Cemento Grande was a company town for Mexican laborers at Trinity Portland Cement in the early twentieth century. The families interred at Campo Santo de Cemento Grande largely migrated from...

Located just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, at an elevation of 755 feet, Cedar Ridge Preserve (formerly the Dallas Nature Center) is a slice of the hill country. Cedar Ridge Preserve is a natural habitat of 600 acres featuring about 9 miles of trails, native trees,...

Based on the success of the Warren Ferris Cemetery restoration project, the Constellation of Living Memorials Pilot Program was developed to expand greenspaces, repair pollinator populations, enhance climate resiliency, lower heat island index, teach about the natural...

A community volunteer project to help restore and conserve our urban forest. It is sponsored by Dallas Park and Recreation Department and the Dallas Urban Forest Advisory Committee. Citizen Foresters are trained in basic tree knowledge and skills, including benefits...

Clymer Meadow Preserve is a 1,400-acre conservation area under management of The Nature Conservancy and private owners. It contains large and diverse remnants of the Blackland Prairie including species of; Little bluestem, Indiangrass, Gama grass, and Switch grass...

The purpose of the 72-acre Meadow Nature Preserve is to preserve and restore the natural, biologically diverse ecosystem that is native to the area. It also serves to connect people with nature and is open to the public on weekends. Volunteers help with restoration...

Coppell Nature Park is a natural area with 2 miles of trail, 2 outdoor classrooms, and other features. Three types of habitats support local wildlife: Cross Timbers forest, spring-fed creek, and prairie. This outdoor space provides opportunity for engaging with nature...

The seven main Dallas College campuses comprise nearly 1,400 acres and there are opportunities for MN engagement on all campuses. Some examples of the activities being planned include: Field Research - Planning, leading, or participating in data collection or analysis...

A collection of voucher specimens of plants found in Dallas County to be used for educational purposes. Plants include grasses, native and non-native wildflowers, and signature species such as Texas buckeye, trout lily, and Hexalectris orchid. Volunteers will collect,...

Friends of Oak Cliff Parks (FOCP) falls under the governance of the Dallas Parks and Open Spaces project. FOCP is a non-profit organization whose mission is to maintain and restore horticulture in the four historic parks in Oak Cliff, to provide educational and social...

Beautification, conservation, restoration, maintenance of Dallas parkland and open spaces in accordance with the guidelines, directions and beautification agreements of Dallas Park and Recreation Dept. Project goals are to involve the community in caring for parks,...

Development and installation of a native plant pollinator garden on the fifth-floor balcony, south side of the Dallas Public Library Central Branch building, which serves as a habitat for pollinators and a demonstration garden for outreach and education. In 2022,...

The Dallas Zoo and the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park are both managed by Dallas Zoo Management, an organization established by the Dallas Zoological Society. Volunteers serve as interpretive guides, interacting with visitors and educating them about animals,...

An information and education service to reduce the incidence of orphaned and euthanized native wildlife in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The Wildlife Coalition does not rehabilitate animals but informs the public about how to rescue animals that need help, puts people...

Dogwood Canyon is part of the National Audubon Society and is managed by the state office, Audubon Texas. Since 1905, the mission of Audubon is to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education...

The Elm Fork Nature Preserve was purchased in 1861 by the Bramblitt Family as a woodright. The land was never clear-cut and in 1986 the 40 acres were given to the city of Carrollton as a self-contained ecosystem, virtually undisturbed. The Preserve features an...

FTLOTL is a volunteer group dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of White Rock Lake. They work in cooperation with Dallas Park and Recreation. Master Naturalists participate along with volunteers from Adopt-A-Shoreline groups and any interested citizens in...

This ‘miracle’ native prairie is quietly tucked inside a north Dallas neighborhood in what once was the community of Frankford.  The site includes 2 ½ acres of native prairie, the beautifully restored Old Frankford Church and cemetery dating back to 1862, Indian...

Restoration/Wildscape: Grovehill has 4 specific established garden beds throughout the 100 acre cemetery that they would like transformed into pollinator gardens. Activities include spring and fall clean up, planting natives, and maintaining the pollinator gardens....

The Hagerman NWR was established to provide and manage habitat for migratory birds, wildlife, and native plants. It consists of 12,000 acres of uplands and wetlands located on the Big Mineral Arm of Lake Texoma. The refuge is in the region where the blackland prairies...

Master Naturalists will assist with developing/leading a Junior Master Naturalist program, provide maintenance in the school’s native plant pollinator garden, and host outreach events. The focus of the JrMN program is to serve school children by providing nature-based...

The Historic Tree Coalition is a local citizens’ group concerned with the identification, preservation, and public acknowledgment of historic trees in our area, including Indian marker trees. The group also participates in public education events, tours and guided...

Our chapter will provide outreach to South Dallas citizens residing in zip code 75215, the Ideal/Bonton community. Educational outreach to this underserved community next to the Buckeye Trail and Great Trinity Forest through summer nature classes, public school...

An educational and research facility in the areas of water quality and supply, wildlife management, and wetland systems. The Wetland Center has partnered with regional school districts, wildlife and conservation organizations and research institutions. NTMN supports...

The Josey Ranch Pocket Prairie is one acre of restored habitat on Carrollton Park property, adjacent to the Josey Ranch public library. Since 2015, volunteers have installed 2 Monarch Waystations, a large Pollinator Garden, and started a 1000 sq ft Wildflower...

Maintaining, Improving Pollinator gardens at City of Rowlett.  City of Rowlett is designated as Bee City: The goal is to champion a healthy and sustainable environment, by educating the residents about pollinators, to help pollinators thrive, to help protect the...

A natural wildlife area along a creek next to Lakewood Elementary School which serves as an outdoor learning lab for students. It includes a prairie grasses demonstration garden. Volunteer work includes trail improvements, invasive plant removal, and other activities...

A 2,000-acre area dedicated to the preservation and restoration of native habitat and biodiversity, environmental education and environmental research. LLELA contains prairie, forest, and wetlands and is home to a large variety of wildlife. Volunteers work in the...

Description of the Activity (include type(s), e.g., restoration, preservation, education, monitoring, habitat, wildscape): Education in order to develop interest, and gathering of scientific of data to study population and migration patterns  of the Monarch...

NLCP is a state-wide program of all-day classes offered by the Native Plant Society of Texas to educate anyone interested in landscaping with native plants to improve the local environment, reduce use of irrigation, pesticides and fertilizers, and provide habitat in...

Native Plants and Prairies Day is a special event at White Rock Lake to communicate to adults and children the value of native plants and prairies. The day will include plant walks, speakers, and information booths. While the event is being organized by the Blackland...

Periodic workdays at prairies that NPAT owns (closest is Mathews Prairie) or has conservation easements on (closest are adjuncts to Clymer Meadow), both about 1-hour away. Occasional sessions at Talbot Brothers, Mary Talbot, and Daphne Prairie, about 2 hours away....

Following direction from Dallas Parks & Recreation, initially, 3 segments of the loop are to be maintained for a soft dirt trail to be three feet wide to eliminate the ragweed on the trail as DPR’s primary concern is hikers getting lost and calling 911. NTMN is to...

The North Texas Mycological Association was formed in 2021 to bring together the North Texas community and convey awareness to the vital role that fungi have in our ecosystem. We are dedicated to the scientific study of mushrooms known as mycology and wish to gain a...

The Oak Cliff Nature Preserve consists of 121 acres and part of Five Mile Creek. It includes riparian, prairie, and mixed hardwood forest areas. The area is open to the public for hiking and mountain biking on designated trails, birding, observing wildlife in an urban...

Outreach Events include the following: Public Outreach - An event or activity where participants come and go and are able to inquire on a broad set of topics (indirect clients). Examples include booths, visitor centers, and wildlife hotlines. Educational Outreach - An...

Paschall Park Butterfly Trail is a public park located at 1001 New Market Rd., Mesquite TX Volunteers are crucial for the restoration, preservation, and enhancement of prairie remnants along the Butterfly Trail at Paschall Park, a designated Monarch Waystation. In...

Dallas’ science museum is an educational environment for all ages. It consists of 5 floors with 11 permanent exhibits in science, math, and technology. Exhibits include plants and animals, human anatomy and physiology, health, energy, machines and electronics, the...

Piedmont Ridge Trails includes a series of trails at 725 N. Jim Miller Rd, Dallas Tx. North Texas Master Naturalist volunteers will be working with project partners Dallas Parks, Trinity Coalition and Friends of Piedmont Ridge to provide trail maintenance and lead...

Located at 1001 George Bush Turnpike, Richardson, TX 75080 (south of the Hilton Garden Inn), this project was approved for the chapter in 2022. Volunteers working to restore Blackland Prairie habitat, remove invasive plants, install/monitor bird boxes and plant native trees in riparian areas along Spring Creek.

Spring Creek Forest is an area of bottomland forest and prairie, with many trees 100-300 years old, native grasses, wildflowers and a large variety of wildlife. Over 630 species of plants and animals have been observed there. It is preserved and protected as a...

This is an individual scientific data collection project that runs for 20 weeks during the winter. Volunteer bird watchers participate in a worldwide study of birds. They submit their observations to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, where scientists are working to...

Rockwall Parks/Preserves includes 7 pollinator gardens, 1 pollinator meadow, and a 26-acre natural preserve that opened recently (trail through it). These pollinator gardens will be used for education/outreach to visitors of the Rockwall Parks – hopefully inspiring...

A wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization for all types of injured, sick, or orphaned birds. The organization’s goal is to restore the health and independence of these birds so they can be released back into their natural environment. Volunteers help by caring...

Education, outreach and service to schools, community or public properties and community organizations by assisting them in planning, establishing and/or maintaining wildscapes, gardens, native prairies, and outdoor learning centers. Schools/Community Habitats is...

Website:  www.circle10.org  (Boy Scouts) Website:  www.gsnetx.org  (Girl Scouts) Description of Project: Dallas and North Texas area councils of scout groups dedicated to building character and life skills in youth. Volunteers assist scout troops with merit badge...

Tenison Park is a Dallas public park. The pollinator garden and creek segment are located within the portion of Tenison Park that is naturalized, without concrete structures, corner of East Grand and Tenison Memorial Dr. in East Dallas. Many habitat management...

Support for various activities conducted by the AgriLife office. Volunteers from the NTMN chapter help as needed or requested by the AgriLife office. 2024 Activities - 24 volunteers with 196 hours of service performed Volunteers participated in field research, public...

TCA initiates grassroots conservation activities with local and regional stakeholders. The organization uses resources with partnered conservation groups to fulfill its mission to educate the public on sustainable practices, to protect wildlife and native habitat,...

Organic gardens, including a butterfly garden, open daily to the community and supported, in part, by City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department. Its purpose is to teach effective ways to restore, conserve and preserve nature in an urban setting, with a focus on...

Project revised in 2022. Texas Native Cats makes presentations to various groups around the state. For outreach, we participate in a variety of events such as EarthX, Nature Expo, Fort Worth Nature Center's Monster Bash, the Dallas Zoo's We Love Wildlife, and Plano...

Support for various activities conducted by TPWD, such as Landowners Workshop, Feral Hog Conference, and others. Volunteers from the NTMN chapter help as needed or requested by the TPWD sponsor Sam Kieschnick, Urban Biologist and NTMN Sponsor Texas Parks and Wildlife...

The Texas Trees Foundation (Texas Trees) serves as a catalyst in creating a new green legacy for North Texas through transformational, research-based plans that educate and mobilize the public to activate the social, economic, environmental, and health benefits that...

Nature Trekkers (formerly Tiny Trekkers and Nature Explorers) is a series of nature explorations for young children and their caregivers. These experiences are most appropriate for toddlers through about third grade, but younger or older siblings can also enjoy our...

A conservation and education facility and gateway to the Great Trinity Forest. It supports a diverse community of plant and animal species and contains a mixture of bottomland hardwoods, aquatic and wetland systems and grasslands. Volunteers lead nature hikes, work on...

A five-acre nature center established on reclaimed land about twelve years ago. It serves as a place for the local community to access a nature area without driving, and as an outdoor classroom for neighboring schools. It is located in north Oak Cliff, 7 minutes west...

The Urban Forest Advisory Committee advises the Dallas City Council and Mayor on tree-related issues; works with city officials to create, maintain, and protect the city’s trees and forests; and educates citizens about the importance of, and proper care of, trees....

Urban Wildlife Information Network (UWIN) is the first global network collecting urban wildlife data. This network provides tools for scientists, city planners, and wildlife managers to understand, conserve, and manage wildlife on our rapidly urbanizing planet. The...

There are 16 units encompassing an area of 250 acres at White Rock Lake in Dallas which are remnants of Blackland prairie. The purpose of the project is to restore and preserve these natural areas for future generations and to involve the Dallas community in this...

North Texas Master Naturalists volunteers will work with the Friends of Willis Winters Park to preserve and maintain the 16.1-acre City of Dallas Park and trees. Activities will include habitat maintenance, community education/outreach and bioblitz events. 2024...