Texas Master Naturalist Tierra Grande Chapter

10/18/2026

10/13/2026

On Saturday, 3 October, the Texas Master Naturalist Tierra Grande training class had a beautiful hike, learning about biogeography. We hiked up into Tobe Springs at the The Nature Conservancy’s Davis Mountains Preserve, identifying trees and plants along the way with the wonderful botanist, Ben Foster.

09/30/2026

Thanks again to the Meadows Research Institute for West Texas Water for all of your guidance, support, and training for our cohorts.

For the third year, our own Dr. Jesse Kelsch offered local expertise to a new group of member volunteers for the Tierra Grande Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists. They host a rigorous training program across multiple disciplines every fall over four weekends. Jesse led a guided hike across two igneous rock formations exposed at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens, followed by a talk about regional geology, the Trans-Pecos Magmatic Province, and the importance of the Igneous Aquifer to the Trans-Pecos. She gave participants a peek at her new research, offering insight into how little is known about the aquifer’s capacity.

Sul Ross State University Texas Master Naturalist Tierra Grande Chapter Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute

09/24/2026

09/23/2026

The National Wildlife Federation is spearheading the collection of local data to research fall Monarch migration roosts in Texas. From mid-September through early November, you can be part of this effort.

This is a great opportunity to learn about native plants and how wildlife uses them, while you experience the beautiful and mysterious Monarch migration.

What trees do Monarchs prefer? Do they use shrubs? Are nectar plants close by? Your observations and the data you collect will help scientists better understand this part of the Monarch’s migration.

Join our community in working with the National Wildlife Federation, the Native Plant Society of Texas and the Texas Master Naturalists.

Additional note: when gathering information on roosts, please do not disturb the Monarchs. Observation and documentation are the goals of this volunteer work.

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09/23/2026

09/22/2026

The Ariocarpus fissuratus, also known as a "Living Rock Cactus," has begun to bloom! It's amazing how a plant detects changes in sunlight, or the angle of the sun, from inside the greenhouse.
Photo by Faith Hille.

09/22/2026

🌵🪇🪅 The 22nd Annual Chihuahuan Desert Fiesta at the El Paso Zoo invites visitors to explore a vibrant microcosm of one of the world’s most diverse deserts.
- Through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and local conservation showcases, guests can experience the beauty, wildlife, and culture of the Chihuahuan Desert all in one place!
- Full Fiesta Schedule Information visit: https://chihuahuandesert.org/fiesta-information/

📅 Saturday, September 26
⏰ 10:30 AM - 3:00 PM
📍 Throughout the zoo’s Chihuahuan Desert section

❤️ The El Paso Zoo celebrates the value of animals and natural resources. It creates opportunities for people to rediscover their connection to nature.

PasoCactusAndRockClub