Affinity Groups

Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist

President: David Powell

E-Mail: info@bptmn.org

Website: www.bptmn.org

Mission.  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.

We meet on the second Tuesday of each month from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the Science Technology Center. Were we continue our learning about the natural resources and areas in Collin, Grayson, Fannin and Hunt Counties. Our members volunteer at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, Connemara, YMCA Adventure Camp, Blackland Prairie  Raptor Center, LELA and city parks and schools. We are sponsored by TPWD and Agrilife Extension. You can visit us and if you are interested our new class starts in February.

Collin County Archaeology Society

e-mail: archaeology@netzero.com

Website: http://www.collincountyarchaeology.org/

The Archaeology Society is a group of avocational archaeologists who meet to identify and share fossil relics and artifacts and participate in area "digs".  Meetings are on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7 PM at the Texas Star Bank in McKinney.

Collin County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas

Pres: Matt Kolodzie

Phone: 972-380-4030

e-mail :  friendlynatives@swbell.net

The Native Plant Society of Texas was formed to promote conservation, research, and utilization of Texas native plants and plant habitats through education, outreach and example. The Collin County Chapter of the NPSOT was formed in 1991 to encourage local residents to use native plants and to educate residents on native plant benefits. Novice and experienced plant enthusiasts are welcome to join the group. Membership is established through the state organization www.npsot.org .  Benefits include sharing knowledge and learning about native plants, guest speakers, field trips, plant exchange, chapter library and local planting projects. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month (excluding November and December) at 7 P.M. For more information call 972-380-4030.

Collin County Master Gardener Association

Website: www.ccmgatx.org

President: Diane Sharp

Phone:  972-548-4232

Email: mgcollin@ag.tamu.edu

The Collin County Master Gardener Association, an integral part of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas A & M University System, is an educational and volunteer organization.  Volunteers conduct horticulture related programs and projects throughout Collin County.  Members of the Master Gardener program are local citizens striving to promote sound horticultural practices in the community.  Members receive invaluable training and continuing opportunities for education, then share their horticultural expertise through a wide variety of endeavors benefiting Collin County residents and organizations.  For horticulture questions or more information visit us at ccmgatx.org.

The Collin County Master Gardener Association is pleased to announce they will be awarding two (2) $1,000.00 scholarships to Collin County high school students in the Class of 2009. The scholarships will be awarded to students who are interested in the study of horticulture related fields.  View CCMGA press release

Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society

Pres: Gailon Brehm

Phone: 972-517-2542

e-mail: admin@prairieandtimbers.org

The Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society's mission is to conserve native plants and animals and their habitats, protect life from pollution, radiation and toxic substances, increase awareness about using land and water wisely, seek solutions to global problems involving the interaction of population, resources and the environment and to promote rational strategies for energy development and use, stressing conservation and renewable energy sources. Membership includes "Audubon Magazine," published by the National Audubon Society six times per year and noted for its superb photography and timely conservation articles, monthly newsletter, camps and workshops. Audubon sanctuaries are open to members. Meetings are held the fourth Tuesday of September-May (excluding December) at 7 P.M. Program topics include wildlife, conservation and ecology issues. For more information visit the PTAS website at www.prairieandtimbers.org

Heard Bird Banders

Contact: Beverly Halperin

Phone: 972-562-5566 X 271

e-mail: bhalperin@heardmuseum.org

Collin County Hobby Beekeepers Association

Pres: John Talbert

Phone: 972-843-8084

e-mail: john@northtexasbeekeepers.org

The Collin County Hobby Beekeepers Association was formed to provide fellowship and information exchange among beekeepers and those interested in bees, to promote the art of beekeeping, encourage the use of honey, protect the industry of beekeeping and honey bees and cooperate with County Extension Services, USDA, TBA and other organizations promoting beekeeping information.

Memberships are $15.00 annually, and benefits include a monthly newsletter, access to information about bees and beekeeping through monthly speakers and a club-owned lending library which includes videos, books and observation hives, annual workshops with advice and tips for beginners and advanced beekeepers, an annual honey contest, discounts on industry publications and more. Meetings are held on the second Monday of every month at 7 P.M. For more information visit www.northtexasbeekeepers.org or call 972-694-2162.

Heard Nature Photographers Club

The Heard Nature Photographers Club is an informal group of photography enthusiasts of all skill levels who love nature and photography. The purpose of the group is to bring photography lovers together to have fun and to learn more about nature photography. Club activities focus not only photographic technique, but also the natural world of plants, flowers and mammals. Meetings are held the second Saturday of each month.

The Heard Nature Photography Club also sponsors the annual Heard photography contest. Memberships are $20 annually and benefits include a monthly newsletter and field trips. For more information visit www.heardnaturephotographers.com or call 972-462-7314.