The Nature Center Volunteer Opportunities

THE NATURE CENTER

11942 FM 848, Tyler, TX 75707

For more information about volunteer opportunities at the Nature Center

 

                                                      Contact Irene Hamel at

                                       903-566-9396 or irene.hamel (at) tpwd.state.tx.us

 

 

 

Herbarium Project -- Most Mondays

The ETCTMN Herbarium Group is dedicated to collecting, identifying, pressing/drying, and mounting the plants of Smith County.  Our goal is to provide teaching materials for outreach to both adults and children, and to preserve plant history of Smith County.  The group usually meets on Monday afternoon at the Tyler Nature Center from 1:00 to 4:00 but we each work whatever hours we can.  At this point we have over 200 specimens in our collection, many of which have been mounted.

Tyler Nature Center contact Gloria Rognlie at

  Grognlie@aol.com  903-825-3878

The Nature Center Herbarium Workshop Schedule
 
With the nice weather and plants popping all over the place, the Herbarium group has decided to ramp up the sessions.  Starting Thursday, March 13 we will meet once a week on Thursdays at 1:00 PM at the Tyler Nature Center, 11942 FM 848, Tyler, TX.  We will also schedule the first Saturday of the month for those who are not able to attend during the day on Thursdays. 
 
If you are working on the BudBurst project the Herbarium group will be happy to assist with identification of any specimens you bring in.  We will have both Central Texas Flora and Volume I of the East Texas Flora, as well as other keying aids.
 
If you are going to bring specimens with you for identification, collect as much of the plant as possible including the roots, leaves, fluorescence, etc.  If the plant is plentiful, bring several specimens so everyone in the class will have a sample to work with.  Clean as much dirt as possible from the root system, put the specimen in a plastic zip-lock type bag, breath into the bag to provide moisture and refrigerate until you are ready to bring the specimen to the meeting. 
 
Sonnia Hill will be attending the sessions as much as possible and will be working with us on the keying process, plant characteristics, vocabulary, etc.  If you have not worked with Sonnia in the past this will be a great treat for you.  At this time, Sonnia is not able to attend any Saturday sessions.
 

 

 

Educational Trunks Development

Educational trunks for outreach/school programs on mammals, birds, and plants.

Ongoing starting in January.

Contact Irene Hamel at

903-566-9396 or irene.hamel@tpwd.state.tx.us

 

Nature Center Recycling  

Assist with the sorting and transportation of recyclable items.

 Starting January 17, 2006.  Ongoing as needed.

Contact Irene Hamel at

903-566-9396 or irene.hamel@tpwd.state.tx.us

 

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TNC Monthly Workdays

 

Provide assistance with trail work, mowing, tree removal and bench installation. Work will consist of weed pulling, panel cleaning, pond cleaning  and laying of mulch, and possible bench installation.

Volunteers can set schedules. 

Contact Irene Hamel at

903-566-9396 or irene.hamel@tpwd.state.tx.us

 

TNC Trail Maintenance

Routine maintenance keeping trail clear of debris. Starting in February 2006.

Contact Irene Hamel at

903-566-9396 or irene.hamel@tpwd.state.tx.us

 

TNC Wildscape Work

Watering, weeding, and upkeep of Nature Centers two Wildscape areas.

Starting in February 2006.

Contact Irene Hamel at

903-566-9396 or irene.hamel@tpwd.state.tx.us

 

TNC Nature Center Liaison

Assist Nature Center staff with recruiting volunteers for school programs and workdays

and other special events.

Contact Irene Hamel at

903-566-9396 or irene.hamel@tpwd.state.tx.us