Capital Area Master Naturalists

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Capital Area Master Naturalists

Volunteer service organization focused on natural resource conservation and education in Austin!

We're a 501(c)3 chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program with the 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."

05/22/2026

And, that’s a wrap! Spring 2026 Initial Training - Class 10, and Ecology, success!
 🚰 For the final class, we started the day at The Meadows Center for and the Environment in San Marcos. Where we started the day with a talk on Groundwater by Dr. Robert Mace, Executive Director and Chief Water Policy Officer at The Meadows Center.
🚤🌾 Next up we explored the trails, and enjoyed an historic Glass-Bottomed Boat Tour on Spring Lake, learning the history the lake, the sacred , and the protected & endangered species that call it home.
🏹 The area is “considered one of the longest continuously inhabited sites in N.A. with artifacts having been discovered from every era of human inhabitation for the past 12,000 years.”  
🦎To wrap up the day, we moved to the San Marcos Aquatic Resources Center. SMARC’s mission is to support conservation efforts through applied research on species that are endangered, threatened, and at risk.
🐟 We toured the SMARC facilities with Biologists Somerly Swarm and Justin Crow to learn about and see -oh so many- salamanders, and other cool species they work to conserve!!  
🌳 Sound like a great way to spend a day? Check out the Texas Master Naturalist program - you can learn more about CAMN’s future training sessions on our website: camn.org or at the link in our bio.
🗓️ Next up: Fall 2026 Training, applications available June 1-30th.

📸: CAMN & Danny Martin

05/14/2026

Spring 2026 Initial Training - Class 9, , success!
Last weekend, trainees gathered at the gorgeous Campsite at Shield Ranch to explore and learn all about Botany!

🌱 Wendy Anderson, a Nature Tracker Biologist with TPWD, presented on Basic and an Introduction to Plant Families. Trainees learned how to recognize basic plant parts, then how to use that knowledge to start identifying by family then species.

📝 Then, trainees split into groups to practice in the field - they worked on Keying Plants, and identification with a Plant Families Scavenger Hunt - enjoying the beautiful plant-filled grounds of Shield Ranch.

🫐 Chris Hyde, founder of Natureversity, closed out the day teaching basic techniques for identifying plants, quizzing trainees on what they learned over the day, and covering some tips for local plants!

🌳 Sound like a great way to spend a day? Check out the Texas Master Naturalist program - you can learn more about CAMN’s future training sessions on our website: camn.org or at the link in our bio.
🗓️ Next up: Fall 2026 Training, applications available June 1-30th.

📸: 4,5,13 Jaime D., rest CAMN

05/13/2026

🍄‍🟫🌧️ Fun with Fungi!! With all of the glorious recent - the fungi are sure making a show!  Led by April Coulon, CAMN President and fungi aficionado, walks in both April & May at the beautiful Circle Acres, provided attendees a chance to see and learn about a variety of our friends!!   📚 Fun Fungi Facts “Fungi are widely considered to be the greatest on , helping create life anew. They are the primary organism that breaks down lignin, the polymer that gives trees their structural rigidity. They have crafted enzymes to break down plastic, forever chemicals, long-chain hydrocarbons and many other toxic materials, to release and gain nutritive substances. Some even exhibit enhanced growth rates while breaking down radiation!” -April  🗓️ JOIN US! Check out the CAMN.org website and the CAMN Calendar (link in bio) for more FUN upcoming events and talks - OPEN to ALL!

📸: 1,3,4,7,9 Linda Crabtree & rest Dan Knauft

04/20/2026

🎥 Join us THIS WEDNESDAY on Zoom!
Wednesday, April 22 | 6:30-8pm

🦉 “Owls at Home: Hoo’s in Your Neighborhood?”
Presented by Tania Homayoun

📣 Speaking of - be sure to check out the sad and GOOD news at about our resident Great horned owls.
This meeting is virtual ONLY, held on Zoom and recorded, recording available within the following week on our website. And as always, all CAMN Chapter Meetings are free and open to the public.

🔗 Full details & link to join https://camn.org/camn-members-hub/monthly-meetings/

🎙️ The talk will be focused on introducing some basics of biology, the role they play in our ecosystems, and the ways they intersect with human culture. We’ll focus in on a few common owl species you may encounter in Central Texas and discuss some ways we can support them in our backyards and beyond.

🎬 Our presenter, Dr. Tania Homayoun, is the statewide with the Nongame and Rare Species Program at TPWD. Tania previously worked with TPWD’s Texas Nature Trackers program and with Audubon Texas at the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center and later the Conservation Science Team as its Urban Conservation Program Manager.
She holds a BS in Ecology/Evolution/Conservation and a BA in Anthropology from the UT Austin and a PhD in Conservation Biology from the U of Minnesota.
Tania is an avid nerd and always has room for one more native plant in her garden.

📸: 1 CAMN member Kim L.; 2

04/19/2026

Spring 2026 Initial Training - Class 7, , , and , success!
Recently, trainees gathered on a drizzly morning in the field at Goat Cave Preserve to talk about Geology & Soils! A “rock” star studded morning with Dr. Nico Hauwert, Senior Hydrogeologis & Elizabeth McGreevy, landscape designer, restoration consultant, and author.

🪨 Dr. Hauwert shared about the local geology and how it affects nearly everything around us. We also learned about the recharge zones, groundwater, and how dye-tracing was used to learn how it all connects through our unique local karst geology.

🪏 Elizabeth talked about our local soil types, erosion causes and concerns, the history of the land around us and how changes and (mis)uses over time have affected the current ecological system.

🦇 Next, we traveled to the Texas Speleological Center to hear from CAMN’s own Elenore Le Corvaisier, current President of the Texas Speleological Association. She talked to us about our local , the work being done to clean and protect them, the amazing critters and invertebrates found there, and how we can all get involved in preserving these special places. AND a climbing demo!

🌦️ And finally, we heard from LCRA’s Chief Meterologist, Bob Rose, about the 2026 Weather forecasts, what those forecasts mean, and expectations for the Spring & Summer. We learned about La Nina vs El Nino, how rainfall vs drought affects our aquifers and flooding, and had all of our weather questions answered…for now!

🌳 Sound like a great way to spend a day? Check out the Texas Master Naturalist program - you can learn more about CAMN’s future training sessions on our website: camn.org or at the link in our bio.

📸: 1,3,4,14 Danny M, rest CAMN

03/30/2026

Digging into our past, Spring 2026 Initial Training - Class 6, , success!

On Saturday, trainees gathered on a chilly but beautiful morning at the Gault School of Archaeological Research for a day full of discovery!
 🪨 The day started with a tour of the site led by GSAR Board Vice President and Archaeologist Dr. Eric Schroeder, along with Assistant Professor in Anthropology at UT Austin, Charles Koenig. We learned about the history of the property and what the archeological findings can tell us about some of the early peoples who lived in what we now call Texas.

🏹 The sun finally came out and warmed us up for the afternoon hands-on field session where we experimented with Foundational Technologies led by Billy O’Leary and Chris Hyde! Trainees learned about, then were able to test their skills at , making from yucca, and throwing!

🌳 If this sounds like a great way to spend a day, learning from each other, challenging and growing together, and getting to do fun stuff outdoors - consider joining CAMN, or another local Texas Master Naturalist chapter - you can learn more about future training sessions on our website: camn.org or at the link in our bio.

📸: 2,8,9,12 Jaime D, rest CAMN

03/24/2026

🐝 Pollinators like native bees, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds play a vital role in healthy ecosystems.
 Last December, volunteers expanded the Campsite .ranch pollinator garden by 9,400 square feet, increasing critical habitat for pollinators. The project included planting 450 native plants that support pollinators year-round.
 This project was made possible through the Pollinators for Texas Initiative, a partnership with and . Together, we’re working to safeguard and enhance native pollinator populations across Texas!
 

📸: 1. Shield Ranch; 2-4 CAMN
📝: Shield Ranch

03/13/2026

Spring 2026 Initial Training - Class 4, Ecological - success!

Last weekend trainees spent a beautiful cool morning at the Vireo Preserve, part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve! We gathered to hear from Jim O’Donnell, Environmental Scientist with the City of Austin, about the work being done on this and other properties of the BCP.

📖 Following an introduction to the history and purpose of the BCP with Jim O’Donnell - trainees divided into groups to explore the Vireo and learn a few skills along the way! 
🌳 Groups explored “the canyon” to learn about the restoration work, camera trapping projects, and rain water collection stations throughout the property. 💪 They also toured the & swales, some of the first restoration efforts volunteers contributed to on the preserve, then planted a few and spread wildflower seeds to continue the work!
🌱 And trainees toured the upper and lower nursery areas, learning about control methods put to use around the property, such as Zuni Bowls, media-luna rock berms, brush berms, and more. Then gained some hands-on practice building brush berms! 
⛈️ The afternoon portion planned to be at Bull Creek was unfortunately rained out.

🎉 If this sounds like a great way to spend a day, learning from each other, challenging and growing together, and getting to do fun stuff outdoors - consider joining CAMN, or another local Texas Master Naturalist chapter - you can learn more about future training sessions on our website: camn.org or at the link in our bio.

📸: CAMN and and Jaime D.

03/05/2026

💪🌳🦉 TODAY, through 6pm you can your impact on local nonprofits.  CAMN focuses on conservation, ecological restoration, volunteer training, and education and outreach in the community - YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE to the success of those efforts by donating to our Amplify Austin campaign today! 
🔗 Link to DONATE in our BIO!
https://www.amplifyatx.org/organizations/camn

Consider to our program and the mission of the Texas Master Naturalists: “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 our community.”

🔗 Donations can be made ANY TIME - link in our bio - but the official 24 hour Amplify Day is March 4-5, 6pm to 6pm!

03/04/2026

💪🌳🦉 IT’S TIME!! TODAY at 6pm, your impact on local conservation, ecological restoration, volunteer training, and education and outreach efforts. 
🔗 Link to DONATE in our BIO!
https://www.amplifyatx.org/organizations/camn

Consider to our program to contribute to the mission of the Texas Master Naturalists: “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 our community.”

🔗 Impacts can start NOW, early giving is underway - link in our bio - and the official 24 hour Amplify Day is March 4-5, 6pm to 6pm!

03/02/2026

Spring 2026 Initial Training - Class #3, Texas Natural History and Urban Ecology - success!

Last weekend trainees spent a beautiful day at Hornsby Bend! We gathered to hear from Dr. Kevin Anderson, the Coordinator of Austin Water CER; and Natasia Moore, Urban Wildlife Biologist with TPWD.
 📖 Trainees started the day with Kevin Anderson. He talked about Texas Natural (and Unnatural) , challenging us to think about what is natural history, and specifically, what is the natural history of Texas? - and when, if ever, was it “entire”?
🌳 Following the talk, Kevin led trainees on a walk to the river; describing the history, ecology, and land use & management changes the property has seen over the years.

🦝 Next up, with Natasia, trainees learn how to recognize urban ecosystems around us, the challenges they presents to wildlife, and co-existing management ideas. Followed with walks and talks with Natasia and Andrew Harrod - discussing the wildlife we see around us and how we and they impact each other.

🌳 If this sounds like a great way to spend a day, learning from each other, challenging and growing together, and getting to do fun stuff outdoors - consider joining CAMN, or another local Texas Master Naturalist chapter - you can learn more about future training sessions on our website: camn.org or at the link in our bio.

📸: CAMN, 9 Emily G.

Address

P. O. Box 303323
Austin, TX
78703

Website

http://camn.org/

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