Texas Nature Trackers

More than ever, people are interested in being outdoors and in watching and learning about Texas wildlife. Now, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, along with other partners, is offering Texans the opportunity to do just that while making valuable contributions to the conservation of plant and animal species in the state. The Texas Nature Trackers projects listed below involve general skills of observation and note taking -- you don't have to be a scientist to do them. Through Texas Nature Trackers projects, Texans learn how to gather data about various species found on public lands or on their own property. Then, the data is sent to biologists who use the information to give us a better understanding about the trends and management needs of various species in the state.

Texas Nature Trackers, associated with the Texas Master Naturalist Program, is a citizen science monitoring effort designed to involve volunteers of all ages and interest levels in gathering scientific data on species of concern in Texas through experiential learning. The goal of the program is to enable long-term conservation of these species and appreciation among Texas citizens.

Do you want to learn how to gather data about various species found on public lands or on your own property? Have you wanted to help biologists use that data to give us a better understanding about the trends and management needs of various species our state? If so, Texas Nature Trackers offers a variety of nature monitoring projects that you can help with.

Upcoming Workshop

May 18-19, 2012
Texas Amphibian and Mussel Watch Train the Trainer Workshops
Abilene State Park
150 Park Road 32
Tuscola, TX
Learn how to identify amphibian and freshwater mussel species and participate in scientific research as members of an important Texas Nature Tracker Partnership. Sponsored by the Big Country Master Naturalist Chapter. Texas Amphibian Watch will be held May 18, 5:00-10:00 p.m. and Texas Mussel Watch on May 19, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Texas Master Naturalist Approved Advanced Training. CPE and TEEAC credit available for educators. Registration required. Fee $10 for materials per workshop. Registration required. Contact Jan Carrington at (325) 665-8594 or mjcarrington@att.net for information and registration.

June 5, 2012
Texas Amphibian Watch Workshop
Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center (SPLASH)
2201 Barton Springs Road
Austin, TX
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Learn how to identify frog and toad species in Central Texas and participate in scientific research. Sponsored by the Capital Area Master Naturalists. Texas Master Naturalist Approved Advanced Training. CPE and TEEAC credit available for educators. Registration required. Fee $10 for materials. Registration required. Contact Kathy McCormack at 512.698.9880 or VEFL21@yahoo.com information and registration.