Texas Master Naturalist Program announces 15 chapter awards for the Pollinators for Texas Initiative
Projects to support native pollinators statewide
The Texas Master Naturalist Program announced that 15 chapters from across the state will receive funding to implement community projects benefiting native pollinators, thanks to a $50,000 donation from Texas-based grocer, H-E-B.
The awards are part of H-E-B’s Pollinators for Texas initiative and will support a wide range of chapter projects to enhance conservation efforts for native pollinators. This includes restoring pollinator habitats, educating the public on pollinators’ importance and engaging communities in efforts to protect and sustain these essential species.
Critical importance of pollinators
The Pollinators for Texas initiative highlights the crucial role pollinators — such as bats, butterflies, moths and more — play in maintaining healthy ecosystems, supporting biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of agricultural practices.
“We are grateful for H-E-B’s commitment to this important cause,” said Mary Pearl Meuth, Texas Master Naturalist Program assistant program coordinator. “Thanks to their generous contribution, these chapters can make a meaningful impact for native pollinators throughout Texas, ranging from urban to rural landscapes.”
Each awarded project aligns with the overarching goal of the Pollinators for Texas initiative, which is to engage local communities in the conservation of pollinators and the habitats they depend on.
The following chapters will receive funding:
Alamo Area Chapter
Woodlawn Lake Centennial Garden— $3,000
Expansion of a historical garden in San Antonio incorporating native plants to support pollinators.
Balcones Canyonlands Chapter
Bull Creek District Park Pollinator Garden — $3,000
Development of a 1,700-square-foot pollinator garden in Austin featuring community garden tours and volunteer participation.
Blackland Prairie Chapter
Frisco Monarch View Park — $3,000
Expansion of native plants and pollinator-based educational signage at Monarch View Park in Frisco.
Brushy Canyons Chapter
Garner State Park Visitor Center Garden — $3,000
Restoration and maintenance of a pollinator garden at Garner State Park in Concan to support native species.
Capital Area Chapter
SMARC Pollinator Pathway— $3,000
Creation of a native pollinator garden at the San Marcos Aquatic Resources Center in San Marcos to support community engagement and pollinator science.
Coastal Prairie Chapter
Nina’s Garden — $3,000
Development of a new garden at Cullinan Park in Sugar Land to enhance biodiversity and enrich park visitors’ educational experiences.
Galveston Bay Area Chapter
Putting the “3” in 3A — $3,000
Expansion of the Exploration Green 3A Pollinator Garden in Clear Lake to promote biodiversity and engage the community.
Gideon Lincecum Chapter
Educational Signage for Pollinator Habitats — $3,000
Installation of educational signs across six pollinator gardens spanning five counties.
Hill Country Chapter
Kerr County Courthouse Pollinator Garden — $2,000
Expansion of the Kerr County Courthouse pollinator garden to include native trees, grasses and milkweed.
Indian Trail Chapter
Ennis Public Library Education Pollinator Garden — $3,000
Development of a pollinator garden at the Ennis Public Library to educate visitors about pollinators.
Lindheimer Chapter
Madrone Trail Pollinator Garden — $3,000
Soil restoration and plant diversification for a native garden in Canyon Lake to enhance pollinator resiliency.
Lost Pines Chapter
Bob Bryant Park Prairie Pollinator Project — $3,000
Creation of a native prairie pollinator habitat at Bob Bryant Park in Bastrop.
Mid-Coast Chapter
Pollinator Garden Collective — $3,000
Development and maintenance of six pollinator gardens across multiple counties along the Texas coast.
North Texas Chapter
Tenison Park Pollinator Garden — $1,000
Restoration of pollinator habitat at Tenison Park in Dallas benefiting local insects and birds.
Sabine-Neches Chapter
Pollinator Garden Project — $3,000
Enhancing pollinator habitats and community involvement through new plantings and soil health in Southeast Texas.
Meuth said that through these chapter-led projects, the Texas Master Naturalist Program hopes to develop an awareness of and create meaningful impacts for the state’s many native pollinators.
About the Texas Master Naturalist Program
Established in 1998 as a partnership between the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Master Naturalist Program works to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of Texas’ natural resources and natural areas within their local communities.
