HEB to Provide $50K to Pollinators for Texas Initiative

In a press release from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, The Texas Master Naturalist(TMN) program is teaming up with H-E-B for a new Pollinators for Texas initiative.

As part of this new partnership, H-E-B is providing $50,000 to the TMN program to fund the initiative. TMN chapters across the state will have the opportunity to apply for project awards of up to $3,000 each to support large-scale community-based projects that enhance native pollinator populations and their habitats.

Pollinators such as moths, bees, butterflies, birds, and bats are essential in sustaining ecosystems, as they maintain the integrity of native plant communities worldwide. Globally, pollinators are responsible for the pollination of approximately 85 percent of flowering plants and contribute an estimated $9 billion annually to U.S. crop and agricultural production. In Texas, native pollinators are vital to the successful fertilization of local plant species.

The Pollinators for Texas initiative aims to have a visible impact in local communities through the creation and restoration of pollinator-friendly habitats. This includes establishing native plant gardens (also known as wildscapes) in public spaces and parks and providing educational outreach to engage the public in conservation efforts. These projects will increase biodiversity, provide critical resources for pollinators like bees and butterflies, and engage the public in conservation efforts through educational and volunteer opportunities.

Applications for the project awards are open to all TMN chapters from Oct. 15 through Nov. 30. Full details, including eligibility requirements and application instructions, can be found on the Pollinators for Texas website.

TMN chapters are encouraged to apply for funding to support a variety of pollinator-related initiatives throughout Texas. Additional resources, including a webinar, frequently asked questions and an application guide, will be available for interested TMN chapters.

The Texas Master Naturalist Program is sponsored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.

Two Texas Cities Named Among Those In The US With Lowest Cost Of Living

When you look across the US for an affordable city to live in, Realtor.com just may have the answer for you. They recently examined data from the Bureau Of Electronic Analysis and compiled a list of the 10 cities in the U.S. that have the lowest cost of living.

If you were to take $100 to any city and compare the prices from city to city you'd have more money left over in these ten cities. Let's take a look.

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