2026 Project Fair

April 19, 2026

Betsy Cross

Project Fair

City of Buda Parks - Project 2101: Work in partnership with the City of Buda to enhance and protect the natural resources in local parks while increasing visibility of the Texas Master Naturalist program—especially among underserved communities in Hays County. Volunteers will assist with management of native plant areas including invasive species removal, native plantings, and pruning. Volunteers will also lead nature-based educational programs, support conservation initiatives such as Monarch City, Bee City, Tree City, and DarkSky Texas, and foster community science by organizing bioblitz events that engage residents in exploring local biodiversity. Presenters: Russell Sanders and Martha Sanders.

Beautiful Hays County Activity and Coloring Book - Project 2301: Beautiful Hays County is 3rd grade level coloring and activity book that will have additional content on the beautifulhayscounty.org website (TEKS connections, additional resources, links to related sites, etc). The book is intended to capture a child’s interest in nature, and to put that interest into action by visiting HCMN projects described in the book with their parents, who may then be motivated to become an HCMN themselves. Volunteer your creativity and education skills to help develop a third grade level activity and coloring book focused on the beauty of Hays County. Your work will contribute to educational resources available online. Presenters: Patty Harrell and Paula Glover. 

Blanco Watershed Quality Monitoring – Project 802: Help protect our water resources by volunteering to monitor water quality in the Hays County watershed. We use approved Texas Stream Team methods, and your efforts will contribute to keeping our water clean and safe. Presenter: Bret Fossum and Pat Heintz

Light Pollution Education and Outreach – Project 1108: Join us in the fight against light pollution! Volunteers are needed to educate the public, staff outreach tables at local events, organize star parties, and help with Texas Night Sky Festivals. If you’re passionate about preserving our night skies, we need your help! Presenter: Soll Sussman.

San Marcos Discovery Center – Project 405: Support the community by maintaining native plant beds, planting and caring for trees, and removing invasive species. Volunteers can also lead workshops on habitat conservation. Opportunities are available Monday through Friday.

Austin Water Quality Protection Wildlands – Project 426: Contribute to water and wildlife conservation through habitat restoration, tree planting, and invasive species removal. Volunteers also monitor wildlife and vegetation, supporting conservation education for the public.

San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance - Project 424: Help protect natural areas in San Marcos by volunteering with the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance. Opportunities include conservation, stewardship, education, and support for passive recreation in these valuable spaces. Todd Derkacz’ project, Presenter: Dick McBride.

City Nature Challenge - Project 2402: The City Nature Challenge is an annual four-day bioblitz with corresponding identification period immediately following. The Challenge takes place the last weekend of April, from Friday through Monday, via iNaturalist. Winners of the competition are recognized for the number of observations recorded, number of species recorded, and number of observers. Presenters: Bobby Langlinais and Carolyn Langlinais.

Dripping Springs Sports Park - Project 2504: Plant a pollinator garden using Texas Native Plants & Trees to attract birds, bees, bumblebees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Provide education to the public about the importance of planting Texas Native plants and trees to promote beneficial pollinators and birds. Signage about the plants and trees will help to educate the public. Provide presentations in the park for the public to help educate them on importance of planting Texas Native plants and trees to promote beneficial pollinators and birds and once established require less water. This process will take time to plant all of the necessary plants and trees. This project will include maintenance of the pollinator gardens and trees which will include watering, weeding, mulching, adding compost as needed, and adding fencing around the trees to protect from the deer. Presenter: Susan Sellers.

Bamberger Ranch - Project 412: Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve is a 5,500-acre ranch in Blanco County that has been restored to its original state. Our mission is to teach ethical land stewardship by example and outreach. Presenters: Stephen Harrell and Patty Harrell.

Patsy Glenn Refuge Wimberley - Project 418: PGR is a 1.8 acre haven for local and migratory birds, other wildlife, insects and native plants located in Wimberley. Activities include habitat development, trail maintenance, erosion control, invasive species control, planting and seeding native plants, preserving the natural habitat and educational outreach. The site also hosts the annual Feeder Watch and other recognized birding activities. Help us develop wildlife habitats, build trails, and engage in educational outreach at Wimberley’s birding center. Your volunteer efforts will help maintain a sanctuary for birds and a learning space for the community.

Cypress Creek Nature Preserve - Project 410: CCNP is 7.24 acres of pristine, protected riparian area located in Wimberley. The trail system follows the Cypress Creek and connects with Blue Hole Park. All work projects are focused on the protection of this delicate area. Activities include invasive species control, planting and seeding native plants, trail maintenance, erosion control, preserving the natural habitat and educational outreach. Presenters: Don Locke and Pat Egan.

HELM Team Field Demonstration

The Habitat Enhancing Land Management (HELM) Team sponsored an in depth field demonstration.

Back row (L-R): DeAnna Creighton, Christine Middleton (Project Coordinator), and Deborah Bradshaw.
Front row (L-R): Dick McBride, Doray Lendacky, and Cathy Ramsey.

HELM Project Coordinator Christine Middleton kicks off the walk _________________________________________________

Emily Dart describes the field work that she and Kiran Topiwala have been doing at Beerburg under the HELM Team project.

2026 Spring Gathering and Graduation

HCMN Chapter President Katie Peltier welcomes attendees to the 2026 Reunion and Graduation Ceremony for the 2025 Fall HCMN Class.

2025 Fall Graduating Class

Chapter Awards and Recognition - Spring 2026

Significant Contribution to the Chapter - Pat Heintz

Pat Heintz has been an outstanding Master Naturalist since graduating with the Crested Caracara Class of 2022. He has inspired many nature enthusiasts by leading interpretive hikes for Austin Water Wildland Conservation and Jacob’s Well Nature Center, sharing this knowledge and passion for the natural world with the community.

Pat supports the Training Committee as a mentor, sharing his experience with new trainees. He also assists new trainees in performing monthly water testing for the Blanco Watershed and managing the chemical kit. He recently led a project to install a bird viewing station for the United Methodist Church Green Team in Wimberley and is currently coordinating with fellow naturalists to add bird identification signage at the site while also launching participation in the FeederWatch program.

In addition, Pat lends his time and expertise to the Site Visit Committee for new training classes and to the Grant Committee led by Larry Calvert. Since becoming a Hays County Master Naturalist, Pat has continually broadened his knowledge and impact. His enthusiasm, leadership, and spirit of service make him an invaluable Hays County Master Naturalist volunteer. Congratulations Pat.

Significant Contribution to the Chapter - Christine Middleton

Christine Middleton, member of the Prickly Pears Class of 2010, has dedicated extraordinary service to our chapter and community, contributing more than 8,500 volunteer hours to date. Over the years she has taken on many leadership roles, including serving on the Training Committee in 2011, as Chapter Secretary in 2012, and as Outreach Co-Chair in 2019.

Christine’s impact has been especially significant in public outreach and environmental education. Following the 2015 Memorial Day flood, she worked extensively with landowners along the Blanco River and Cypress Creek, providing hands-on education and support. She also created The Riparian Network News, a newsletter that connected and informed more than 150 subscribers in the aftermath of the flood.

Her creativity and dedication continued during COVID, when she led the development of online educational content for children. In 2022, she expanded that effort by creating the Wild About Nature hands-on workshops for youth. Christine also organized the HELM site visit project, launched in fall 2020, which has since mapped and visited more than 150 properties.

In addition to frequently providing in-depth content for the Hays HUMM e-magazine and supporting the chapter’s public outreach through social media, Christine actively networks with local conservation groups and presented the HELM Project at the TxMN State Meeting in 2025.

Christine brings deep insight into local conservation needs and has a rare ability to envision, communicate, and implement complex initiatives that make a lasting impact. Organized, thoughtful, and an exceptional coordinator, she has strengthened our chapter and advanced conservation throughout our community.

Outstanding Volunteer - Don Locke

Don Locke exemplifies the spirit of leadership we strive to cultivate in Texas Master Naturalist. As one nominator beautifully expressed, “Few people make an extraordinary impact so quickly—and Don Locke is one of those rare individuals.”

In his short time with the Hays County Master Naturalists, Don’s energy, dedication, and passion for the natural world have shone brightly, inspiring everyone around him. Whether taking on new initiatives, sharing his knowledge, or leading by example, he has made both an immediate and lasting impact on our community and our mission.

Don’s remarkable accomplishments in such a brief period reflect not only his talents, but also his deep and genuine commitment to making a difference—earning him our heartfelt recognition and appreciation.

Among his many contributions are his work with the Wimberley Village Library Pollinator Garden, his involvement in Keep Wimberley Beautiful youth programs, and his efforts at the Patsy Glen Refuge.

Special Achievement Award - Carolyn Langlinais

Since transferring to our chapter in 2023 from the Heartwood chapter Carolyn has distinguished herself through exceptional service. In 2025 she contributed 156 volunteer hours across seven projects. Notably, she served as Project Coordinator for two initiatives, both of which were newly established during the year, demonstrating initiative, leadership, and a commitment to program growth.

In 2025 Carolyn logged over 38 hours in the City Nature Challenge. Her involvement in the challenge mobilized 30 volunteers, resulting in an impressive 264 hours dedicated to community science and conservation efforts.

In 2026, she further expanded her leadership role by joining the HCMN Board as Communications Director. Her sustained dedication, leadership, and willingness to serve at both the chapter and state levels position her as an invaluable asset, and her continued contributions are expected to have a lasting and meaningful impact.

In the words of a fellow volunteer: “Carolyn carries sunshine wherever she goes—always smiling, always giving, and never waiting to be asked to make someone’s day better.”

Special Recognition - Susan Neill

Susan Neill is a distinguished member of the 2014 Monarchs and achieved double certification during her trainee year. Since graduating, she has maintained her certifications annually, reflecting her ongoing commitment to the program. In addition to her Master Naturalist certifications, Susan is also a certified Master Gardener.

In her first year as a certified Master Naturalist, Susan was honored as the Outstanding Chapter Volunteer in 2015 in recognition of her significant volunteer contributions to multiple projects. She contributed to the Training Committee in both 2014 and 2015 and was selected as the Training Class Director for 2016 and 2017. Further demonstrating her leadership, Susan was elected Chapter President in 2019 and served in this role through 2021. She skillfully guided the Chapter through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, and these efforts were recognized with the Special Achievement Award in 2021.

Susan has devoted substantial time to volunteer service across a variety of projects. Her notable contributions include: 1,446 hours at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, 325 hours at Westcave Preserve, 929 hours with the Training Committee, and 943 hours in Chapter Administration for participation on the Board of Directors. Over her eleven years as a Master Naturalist, Susan has reported a remarkable total of 4,653 volunteer hours and 473 hours of Advanced Training.

It’s a bittersweet moment when a tenured and valued member of the chapter decides to leave the area. While we will miss Susan’s contributions to our mission, those of us who have had the pleasure of working with her will mostly miss her caring nature, support, and friendship.