Texas Master Naturalist Annual Meeting

Historic cemeteries are among Texas' most overlooked conservation assets. Through the Constellation of Living Memorials (CLM), communities across Texas are discovering how these sacred places can serve as wildlife habitat, outdoor classrooms, living history sites, and centers for community engagement.

Emceed by Melinda Garde, this 60-minute presentation highlights three powerful examples of conservation in action. Landscape architect Corrin Breeding will share details of the partnership between CLM and the Dallas Park and Recreation Department to steward Dallas Historic Freedman's Cemetery, demonstrating how native landscape restoration can honor cultural history while improving ecological function.  Dr. Cindy Hua of the SMU Hunt Institute for Engineering and Humanities will explore CLM's emerging youth engagement model, illustrating how historic cemeteries can become places where young people connect with conservation, native plants, local history, and community leadership. Finally, Matthew Orwat, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent – Dallas County, will share how to navigate the AgriLife Extension system for your county to participate in the CLM program.

Together, these stories reveal how partnerships among Texas Master Naturalists, municipalities, universities, and community organizations are transforming forgotten places into vibrant community assets. Attendees will leave with practical ideas for engaging volunteers, building local partnerships, supporting conservation outcomes, and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards through place-based learning and community action. As Texas communities seek innovative approaches to conservation and civic engagement, the Constellation of Living Memorials offers a replicable model for reconnecting people, place, and purpose.