On the Wildlands, this volunteer finds joy in seed collecting, native plant propagation, prairie restoration, and more. Explore opportunities that could inspire you too.

Yes, they’re creepy, and you can find them right here in Hays County.

A brief stop at the Discovery Center last October offered a serendipitous kaleidoscope of fall butterflies.

“Can’t trust that day,” the song goes. But on Mondays in San Marcos, you can count on dedicated volunteers. Their early-morning cleanups protect a river teeming with life—turtles, herons, and rare Texas Wild Rice.

These familiar anurans offer two seasons’ worth of “NatureWatch” moments, from spawning choruses to tiny toads hopping into the leaf litter.

Every property tells a story. The HELM team helps landowners “read the land” and discover the potential of their acres to thrive with native plants and wildlife.

Don’t miss the Naturescapes Awards Reception at the San Marcos Activity Center on Saturday, September 27, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m..

Who hunts the monarch? Not a bird this time but a dragonfly—the aptly named Dragonhunter, fearless even of milkweed toxins.

Discover how a builder’s vision and a team of volunteers gave birds—and birders—a place to land.

Tucked in the heart of Wimberley, Patsy Glenn Refuge is more than a quiet nature spot—it’s a testament to community spirit and conservation. Explore its birding station, native gardens, and the enduring impact of one woman’s dream.

From drones to bird ID apps, technology is changing how we bird. But are we gaining tools or losing touch? One birder reflects on the joy of learning calls, the value of doing the work, and why sometimes it’s best to leave the phone in your pocket.

What looks like a delicate wildflower hides a dangerous secret. Discover the surprising history and folklore behind the striking and spiky White Prickly Poppy.

What happens when a young Cooper’s Hawk becomes a parent? One Master Naturalist captured the whole story—complete with a yearling parent and a sibling squabble.

A record crowd gathered for the 4th annual Migratory Bird Festival—our first as an official Bird City Texas—celebrating birds, art, and community at the San Marcos Discovery Center.

Join HCMN Sharon Moore as she takes us into the field and her own backyard. From prepping gear to chasing butterflies, her story shows how citizen science and a sharp eye for detail can make a big impact.

Texas alone accounted for 10% of all global observations, highlighting the state’s commitment to biodiversity and conservation. See how Hays County naturalists showed up.

Not everything clinging to your trees is a threat. Some of these strange hitchhikers are quietly cleaning the air, fixing nitrogen, and even helping hummingbirds build nests.

Capable of true flight and powered by echolocation, bats are nature’s insect controllers, pollinators, and more. Here’s why they matter.

From classroom to creek side, these Fireflies are lighting up Hays County—one master naturalist volunteer hour at a time!

A family of whistling ducks brightened my morning at Plum Creek—here’s what I learned about these interesting, red-billed beauties.