Community
BY DUSTIN BUTLER
In an e ort to preserve the Prairie Creek eco- system, Richardson resident and Texas Master Naturalist Julia Koch has organized a volunteer group to remove invasive plants and restore native vegetation. The background Koch became a certi ed master naturalist in 2021 and soon began leading monthly workdays at Prairie Creek, located behind the Hilton Garden Inn at 101 President George Bush Tollway. The goal, she said, is to remove invasive species that crowd out native plants, allowing the local ecosystem to thrive. The master naturalist program intends to create “citizen scientists” who share their knowledge and promote the importance of native plants and wildlife. Classes run from February to May, Koch said, and consist of three-hour classes on Tuesdays. To maintain certi cation, master naturalists must complete 40 hours of volunteer work and 14 hours of advanced training annually. Although funding is not provided from the city, the Parks and Recreation Department often provides trash bags and litter pickers to help clear trash and other debris from the area. Why it matters Along with removing invasive plant species and supporting native species, the volunteer group holds annual trash pickups, collecting and casting native seeds to promote growth of desired plants. Additionally, those visiting the area are encour- aged to use the iNaturalist platform to document plants and animals they see. To date, over 700 species have been documented. Prairie Creek serves as a refuge for wildlife within the urban environment of Richardson and surrounding communities, Sam Kieschnick, urban wildlife biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife said. Kieschnick, who advises the North Texas Master Naturalist Chapter, said the area supports a large variety of species, including birds, dragon ies, toads, insects and diverse plant life. “Plant diversity feeds a diversity of bugs, and a diversity of bugs feeds a diversity of birds,” Kieschnick said. The bene ts extend beyond conservation, Kieschnick said, adding that vegetation along the creek helps lter and clean the water through a Volunteers seek to remove invasive species in Prairie Creek
The city does not provide funding for the preservation and cleanup but does provide trash bags.
PHOTOS BY DUSTIN BUTLER COMMUNITY IMPACT
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Julia Koch is a Texas Master Naturalist.
Volunteers meet regularly to help.
process called phytoremediation. Plants can also help keep urban areas cooler, Kieschnick said, because they absorb heat rather
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than re ecting it back. What you need to know
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Koch said the group meets on the third Saturday of every month. No experience or knowledge is necessary and tools are provided. “You don’t have to have knowledge, you don’t have to know anything,” Koch said. “Come on out. We’ll show you.”
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1001 George Bush Turnpike, Richardson https://ntmn.org
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