Over the course of 8 weeks and over 32 instructional hours, you can gain a greater understanding of entomology, integrated pest management in the garden, landscape and home, be able to identify common insects, spiders and arthropods in Texas, learn about butterfly gardening and native pollinators and much more. iNaturalist training, invasive insects to watch in Texas, medical entomology, using dichotomous keys for identification will also be covered.

See the website for more details.

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

Whether you’re a long-time volunteer or interested in becoming one, You are invited to attend Mercer’s new monthly volunteer orientation meetings, starting on February 11.   This orientation will review Mercer’s beginnings and history, along with all the volunteer opportunities that are available now will be in the future.  Whether it’s working in the gardens, reading to children, being a Mercer Ambassador, or participating in a specialty activity or plant sale, we have a lot planned for 2021!

Registration is required as space is limited. Recommended for ages 16 and older, or ages 12 to 15 if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Trail maintenance, volunteer work crew, and garden group.

For information on volunteer opportunities at Kleb Woods, contact Megan Ahlgren

VMS CODE: RM: Kleb Woods

It’s time to volunteer again! You know you want to, but you know there are rules, right? So here they are:

1. Only a certain number of people will be allowed in each garden area. Be prepared to grow where you’re planted (work where you’re most needed)!
2. You must supply your own gloves and tools.
3. Park at the education building, not in front of the office.
4. If you are more comfortable wearing a face mask, you are more than welcome to.
5. Limits on the number of people should allow for 6 feet social distancing. Be mindful of the distance.
6. As always, bring adequate sun protection and water.
7. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, please quarantine for 14 days before joining Texas Master Naturalists – Heartwood Chapterat the Forest.

Volunteer slots begin at 9 am and end at noon.  Contact heartwoodvsp@gmail.com for the latest plans.

VMS: RM: WG Jones State Forest (Specify garden or nursery maintenance)

On the Second Tuesday of each month at the noon hour (12 PM Central Standard Time), the TMN State Office will offer an hour-long virtual advanced training event (sometimes including some fantastic new and returning guest speakers).

One of the great things about TMN Tuesdays is the fact that they count for AT, even if you view them after the fact. So, if you didn’t get to see them the first time around, there’s still time to view them and have them count for AT!

Trail maintenance, volunteer work crew, and garden group.

For information on volunteer opportunities at Kleb Woods, contact Megan Ahlgren

VMS CODE: RM: Kleb Woods

It’s time to volunteer again! You know you want to, but you know there are rules, right? So here they are:

1. Only a certain number of people will be allowed in each garden area. Be prepared to grow where you’re planted (work where you’re most needed)!
2. You must supply your own gloves and tools.
3. Park at the education building, not in front of the office.
4. If you are more comfortable wearing a face mask, you are more than welcome to.
5. Limits on the number of people should allow for 6 feet social distancing. Be mindful of the distance.
6. As always, bring adequate sun protection and water.
7. If you have been exposed to COVID-19, please quarantine for 14 days before joining Texas Master Naturalists – Heartwood Chapter at the Forest.

Volunteer slots begin at 9 am and end at noon.  Contact heartwoodvsp@gmail.com for the latest plans.

VMS: RM: WG Jones State Forest (Specify garden or nursery maintenance)

Climathon 2021 Kick-Off!

They envision a more prosperous, inclusive, climate-resilient economy, where finance flows to green projects and activities, and where motivated people are empowered with the skills and capacity they need to take action.

This progress can only be achieved through systemic change – change that includes innovation across business, investment, regulation, governance structures, values and mindsets. They invite you to leverage Climathon Houston as a way to start ideating and innovating a solutions in these areas, or to continue working on and engaging people in solutions you may already be developing, especially those that relate to:

Urban Transitions

1. Promote retrofit and decentralized energy
2. Create green, resilient cities
3. Accelerate clean urban mobility

Sustainable Land Use

1. Make agriculture climate-smart
2. Transform food systems
3. Nurture forests in integrated landscapes

Sustainable Production Systems

1. Recast materials production
2. Reduce industry emissions
3. Reboot regional economies

Decision Metrics and Finance

1. Mainstream climate in financial markets
2. Democratize climate risk information
3. Foster bankable green assets in cities

Schedule:

• 12:00-12:10 PM Welcome + Climathon Introduction
• 12:10-12:40PM Challenge Lightning Round
• 12:40-13:00PM Next Steps & Breakout Rooms

Challenge Leaders: TBA

Learn More About the Climathon and Sign-up to Participate: https://climathonhouston.com