By Richard Schaffhausen
The Brazoria chapter of Texas Master Naturalist held their monthly meeting Wednesday evening, January 10, at the AgriLife building in Angleton. Melanie Hollenshead, intern training director, reported the spring intern class would begin on January 20 at the AgriLife building. For those wanting more information or to sign up, see https://txmn.org/tmncot/intern-training.
John Boettiger, membership director, reported that Christina Hartman attained the 500 volunteer hour milestone. December’s recertifications were Patty Brinkmeyer, Mary Holler, Ruby Lewis, Christina Hartman, Phil Huxford, and Connie Stolte. Members must have eight hours of advanced training and 40 volunteer hours to recertify.
This year to date, members have impacted 4,982 adults and 22,499 youth through outreach programs and educational programs such as the “Birds of Prey” programs presented at area schools, Brazoria County Summer Library Programs, and the Discovery Environmental Education Program for area 4th and 7th graders at Brazoria NWR.
Ann Cheek, Ph.D., University of Houston, presented a new volunteer opportunity to chapter members. Dr. Cheek wants to expand the Urban Wildlife Survey from 37 sites to 50 and needs more volunteers. Cheek explained the program and asked if any members were interested.
January’s featured speaker was Buddy Ortego, owner of Coastal Resources Biologists, Brazoria, Texas. Ortego’s topic was The importance of wetlands and the issues and challenges facing the management and stewardship of these vital resources. Ortego spoke of the many benefits of wetlands, such as improving water quality, decreasing pollution, reducing flooding, and providing a nursery for shrimp, crabs, and many fish species. He discussed the impact of the recent Supreme Court ruling narrowing the wetland definition. It was a very informative presentation.
The next meeting is at 9 a.m. on February 14 at the AgriLife building, 21017 County Road 171, Angleton. The public is welcome to attend.
