Texas Master Naturalist Program receives grant for second year
Chapters encouraged to apply for community project funds for native pollinator support
The Texas Master Naturalist Program received $80,000 in grant funding to support a second year of community projects benefiting the state’s diverse native pollinator populations.
The grant, awarded by Texas-based grocer H-E-B, continues a partnership established last year supporting the company’s Pollinators for Texas initiative. Individual Texas Master Naturalist chapters can receive up to $4,000 to support large-scale, community-based projects that enhance biodiversity while supporting native pollinators and their habitats.
“With H-E-B’s support, this funding will continue to drive meaningful engagement in pollinator conservation, benefiting both volunteers and the communities they serve,” said Mary Pearl Meuth, Texas Master Naturalist assistant state coordinator with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
Impact on local communities
Last year, 16 chapters were awarded funding to complete various pollinator initiatives across the state. Examples include establishing native plant gardens, also known as wildscapes, in public parks to engaging public participation in conservation efforts.
“H-E-B is proud to continue our partnership with the Texas Master Naturalist Program to provide necessary resources to protect native pollinators essential to our beautiful Texas habitats,” said Anahi Villarruel, H-E-B environmental affairs project manager.
Villarruel said protecting pollinators is essential to safeguarding Texas biodiversity, food security and the health of ecosystems upon which humans and wildlife rely.
How chapters can apply for funding
Texas Master Naturalist chapters can apply for project funding through June 1. Eligibility requirements, application instructions and more information can be found on the Pollinators for Texas website.
