Texas Master Naturalist Program Announces 17 Chapter Project Awardees of the Pollinators for Texas Initiative
Oct. 14, 2025
Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030
AUSTIN — A partnership between the Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) Program and H-E-B is expanding pollinator habitat across the state. As part of their Our Texas, Our Future sustainability commitment, H-E-B has awarded $80,000 to TMN to support 17 individual chapter-led projects to create native plant habitats, install pollinator-friendly landscapes and develop educational resources to connect Texans with the vital role pollinators play in sustaining ecosystems and agriculture.
By funding local habitat conservation projects through Texas Master Naturalist financial awards, this partnership secures the future of Texas-grown food and helps protect its rich biodiversity. From store shelves to community gardens, H-E-B and TMN are investing in the land, people and pollinators that make Texas thrive.
“Pollinators for Texas is more than just a financial opportunity for local chapters—it’s a catalyst for community action,” said Michelle Haggerty, Texas Master Naturalist State Program Coordinator. “These chapter projects will have lasting impacts, from increasing habitat for native pollinators to inspiring Texans to protect the species we depend on for food and ecological health.”
This year’s awarded projects are expected to add 367,200 square feet to pollinator habitat statewide while also building environmental stewardship, increasing biodiversity and creating a culture of conservation within their communities. Through combining education with hands-on participation in habitat expansion, TMN chapters are fostering stronger connections between residents and their local pollinators, helping to develop long-term sustainability of native pollinator conservation in their area.
“At H-E-B, we are committed to supporting organizations that protect and conserve Texas land, air, water, and wildlife.” said Anahi Villaruel, H-E-B Environmental Affairs Project Manager. “We are proud to continue our partnership with Texas Master Naturalist Program, with the goal of making large-scale impacts for native pollinator habitat.”
2025-26 Awarded Chapter Projects
Alamo Area Chapter – Woodlawn Lake Centennial Garden
The Woodlawn Lake Centennial Garden continues to enhance biodiversity, increase pollinator activity and reintroduce native plant species to the area. By fostering ecological stewardship, the garden creates a vibrant community space that supports both people and pollinators, including butterflies, bees, moths and birds. Hands-on conservation opportunities contribute to the long-term health and sustainability of the habitat.
Big Country Chapter – Pollinators for Jim Bob Park
This project expands pollinator habitat within Jim Bob Park, a 250-acre site in the Narrows of Knox County. An additional 4,000 square feet of pollinator-friendly space will be created, supported by educational and community engagement opportunities in this geographically unique region that divides the Wichita and Brazos watersheds.
Blackland Prairie Chapter – Frisco Monarch View Park
Monarch View Park, a 13-acre green space in Frisco, was established in 2019 to attract monarch butterflies and other pollinators through native plantings. Restoration began in 2024 with more than 900 perennials, and Phase 2 continues this work through the inaugural Pollinators for Texas grant. Phase 3, funded in 2025, will add approximately 1,000 additional native plants across 7,000 square feet in partnership with Frisco Parks, creating a richer habitat for pollinators and the community.
Capital Area Chapter – Shield Ranch Campsite Pollinator Garden Expansion
The Shield Ranch Campsite Pollinator Garden, established in December 2023, spans 8,600 square feet and features 450 native plants supporting local and migratory pollinators. The project is now expanding by an additional 9,400 square feet, more than doubling the habitat and ensuring long-term benefits for pollinator species.
Coastal Prairie Chapter – The Pollinator Path at Nina’s Garden
The Pollinator Path at Nina’s Garden will immerse visitors in the world of pollinators through engaging signage and native plant displays. Strategically placed interpretive signs will highlight species, survival needs and common misconceptions, while QR codes will connect visitors to resources such as the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. This combination of hands-on learning and digital tools is designed to inspire lasting community action for pollinator conservation.
El Camino Real Chapter – Milam Wildscape
The Milam Wildscape has grown into a vibrant garden showcasing native Texas plants and offering community nature programs. Its redesign now focuses on pollinator conservation, addressing habitat loss in the area. The expanded wildscape will serve as a long-term refuge for native pollinators through diverse landscaping designed to attract and sustain key species.
Elm Fork Chapter – Green Acres is the Place to BEE
This project restores a biodiverse ecosystem open to the public, emphasizing habitat conservation and education. Native plantings and a rainwater collection system provide food and water resources in an area lacking natural sources. The prairie builds on existing features, including a monarch waystation, educational signage and riparian habitat. Community programming—such as photography exhibits, workshops and tours—further promotes pollinator awareness and conservation.
Elm Fork Chapter – Lantana Petals and Pathways
Lantana Petals and Pathways began as a demonstration garden at the Community Event Center, highlighting how native plants can be successfully integrated into HOA-managed landscapes. Building on this success, the project is expanding into a quarter-mile wildflower meadow along a community walking trail, enhancing habitat for pollinators, birds and other wildlife.
Galveston Bay Chapter – Clear Lake Islamic Center Garden
The Clear Lake Islamic Center Pollinator Garden reflects the connection between faith and nature while engaging a community historically underrepresented in nature-based volunteerism. The garden will feature native plants to support diverse pollinators and provide education about their ecological importance. It will also serve as a platform for community involvement, engaging both adults and children in conservation activities.
Good Water Chapter – Williamson County Native Plant Garden
In 2024, the Williamson County Extension Service replaced drought-damaged landscaping with drought-tolerant native plants. Building on this success, the project now revitalizes 4,000 square feet behind the building, including a pavilion area. Host plants, nectar sources, and water features will create a thriving pollinator habitat, demonstrating the benefits of native plants in public landscapes.
Heartwood Chapter – Native Plant Propagation Station
This project supports the sustainability of pollinator gardens at W.G. Jones State Forest and Memory Park through the reconstruction of a native plant propagation station. The facility will function as an outdoor learning center, supporting workshops, community activities and year-round plant cultivation. Plants grown at the station will sustain pollinator habitats and be distributed through outreach events, promoting conservation across the region.
Hill Country Chapter – Pollinator Garden at Roberts Ranch
YMCA Roberts Ranch in the Hill Country provides outdoor education and recreation for underserved youth and families. A newly designated site within the ranch will serve as a pollinator garden and outdoor classroom, offering hands-on opportunities to learn about pollinators, habitat diversity, soil health and water conservation. Thousands of youth, families and volunteers will contribute to the establishment and care of this space, which will remain open to the public for broader community engagement.
Longleaf Ridge Chapter – Buzz & Bloom Sensory Garden
The Buzz & Bloom Sensory Garden will provide critical pollinator habitat while serving as a hands-on learning space for children and community members. Located adjacent to a children’s clinic, the garden will include immersive sensory features, interpretive signage and conservation programming. Its design emphasizes sustainable practices and highlights the ecological importance of pollinators.
Lost Pines Chapter – Bob Brant Park Prairie Project
The Bob Bryant Park Prairie Project continues its second year of habitat expansion, transforming three acres into a pollinator-friendly prairie. Current efforts focus on reducing invasive Bermuda grass, seeding native prairie plants and maintaining the site with prescribed fire and targeted mowing. Educational signage and quarterly biocensus surveys will track progress, while public engagement encourages appreciation for prairie ecosystems and pollinator diversity.
Piney Wood Lakes Chapter – SeedNSee: Lone Star Seed Library
The Lone Star Seed Library is a community initiative promoting pollinator conservation through free access to native seeds and educational programming. Housed in a public library, the project distributes seasonal seeds and hosts workshops and community events on pollinators and sustainable gardening. Volunteers, students, and local groups actively support the effort, fostering stewardship, biodiversity, and conservation across the community.
Sabine Neches Chapter – Pollinator Garden Phase II
The Sabine Neches Pollinator Garden, established in 2023 with the support of the Big Thicket Biosphere, created pollinator-friendly habitats and educational opportunities for the public. Phase II expands the project with three new garden sites and a public workshop in spring 2026. These efforts will strengthen habitat connectivity, increase biodiversity and encourage residents to take part in pollinator conservation.
South Texas Border Chapter – BL Gray Tiny Forest Project
The BL Gray Tiny Forest Project transforms a quarter-acre of lawn at BL Gray Junior High into a habitat for native pollinators, advancing urban ecology and education. Students participate directly, learning about biodiversity and climate resilience through hands-on experiences. The project also engages the larger community and regional natural resource groups, creating a model for place-based education and local conservation.
About the Texas Master Naturalist Program
Started in 1997, the Texas Master Naturalist Program includes 49 local chapters serving 213 counties. The mission of the program is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas.
The Texas Master Naturalist Program is sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. As of 2024, the TMN Program has trained more than 17,400 certified volunteers, impacted more than 260,400 acres of wildlife and native plant habitats, contributed more than 7.5 million hours of service, and reached more than 7.1 million Texas residents of all ages. These volunteer efforts are estimated to be valued at more than $170 million.
About H-E-B
H-E-B, with sales of more than $46 billion, operates over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 170,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.