Texas Master Naturalists – Heartwood Chapter are having their second Plant Party Training on Feb. 24^th from 10-11:30 am.  The theme this time is “Talking Ecology” where Texas Master Naturalists – Heartwood Chapter will have 5, 15-minute presentation prepared on Ecological Site Descriptions, Using Plant as Indicator Species, Converting Introduced Grass Fields to Natives, and How Weather Changes Influence Ecology.  It is really going to be an information-thick event, plus there are door prizes!

Again, these Plant Party quarterly webinar trainings are a collaboration between Extension, USDA-NRCS, and TPWD.  They are offered FREE in an attempt to provide an easy learning opportunity for our employees and volunteers, although clientele are welcome.

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

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.

The films presented by the Houston Green Film Series are free to public and funded by volunteer efforts, in-kind contributions and donations from the public.

In general, the series is screened on the third Wednesday of each month.

For current films, visit the Houston Green Films website or Facebook page.

The Gulf Coast Bird Observatory’s “Brew on the Bayou” third annual celebration will take place on Saturday, March 27, 2021, at GCBO’s headquarters in Lake Jackson at 299 Highway 332 West.

Sample and enjoy local specialty brews and wines from eight breweries and three wineries. Listen to live music by the Intercoastal Pirates, watch a live raptor show, grab a bite to eat from local food trucks, and check out the silent auction. Our beautiful wooded grounds will be lit by torchlight. Take a pontoon boat ride on the bayou. Walk our nature trails.

Tickets are $20/person in advance and can be bought by calling 979-480-0999. Pre-sale ends March 10. Tickets will cost $25 on the day of the event. ID required at door for brew-tasting. Included in the ticket price is everything except food trucks and dessert table. Admission includes 12 drink tasting tickets; additional beer or wine tickets will be available for purchase. Come support our wildlife conservation work while enjoying a magical evening on the bayou!

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)