As part of the 40-hour initial training curriculum provided by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Llano Estacado Texas Master Naturalists conducted a training session on weather/climate and mammalogy on Feb. 18 at Sibley Nature Center. NOAA meteorologist Devin Chehak provided basic information about weather and specific details about Permian Basin climate. Sibley’s Education Director Phil Salonek taught LETMN trainees about the characteristics of mammals and provided a hands-on session about identifying native mammals by analyzing skulls. A trip to the National Weather Service provided more in-depth information from the meteorologists on duty there. The day culminated with the 5 p.m. launch of a weather balloon. The Texas Master Naturalist Program’s mission is 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 for the State of Texas. More information is available at txmn.org/llano.
