Monthly Program: From Fields to Habitat: Unlocking Wildlife Stewardship in Texas

From Fields to Habitat: Unlocking Wildlife Stewardship in Texas

Join the Texas Master Naturalist Coastal Prairie Chapter for an engaging evening at the Rosenberg Civic Center on May 7, 2026 at 7:00pm! This special joint presentation with Texas A&M AgriLife Horticulture Extension Agent Joseph “Jody” Taylor and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Regional Wildlife Biologist Matthew Johnson dives into how science-based education, land management, and wildlife conservation come together across Texas.
Learn how AgriLife Extension supports landowners and volunteers through conservation programs, agricultural practices, and outreach—and discover how properties can transition from traditional agricultural use to wildlife management for both stewardship and 1-d-1 (Ag Exemption) tax valuation benefits.
Whether you're a landowner, volunteer, or nature enthusiast, this session offers valuable insights into sustainable land use and the future of Texas wildlife.

About our Speakers

Joseph “Jody” Taylor is the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension-Fort Bend County
Horticulture Agent as of November 1, 2024.
Jody served in the military 33 years where he acquired skills in education, logistics,
leadership, and maintenance. He is a veteran, farmer, Master Gardener, beekeeper,
and avid community volunteer. He has a passion for sustainable plant production and
community outreach. Jody earned a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration
from University of Louisville and a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security from American
Military University. He was a Professor of Military Science University of Texas at
Arlington where he administered and managed instruction and program requirements
for ROTC cadets. During this time, he incorporated instructional technologies in course
delivery for both in-class and online instruction. He has a background in higher
education, adult teaching, small farm management, and horticulture.

Matthew Johnson is the Regional Wildlife Biologist for TPWD. Matthew grew up in Bremond, Tx situated between Waco and College Station. He attended Texas State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology in 2021 and shortly after obtained his Associate Wildlife Biologist Certification through The Wildlife Society. While in college Matthew was involved with many different non-game wildlife studies including nest box surveys and Golden-cheeked Warbler surveys as well as helping with whitetail deer captures and prescribed burn efforts on private ranches. After college, Matthew gained experience conducting aerial drone surveys for waterfowl with Auburn University in Alabama and working in environmental consulting conducting bird and bat surveys across the country before hiring on with TPWD. 
 
Matthew is currently the district biologist for Austin and Fort Bend Counties. Matthew enjoys working with private landowners to fulfill their habitat management goals, especially when it comes to gamebird and non-gamebird habitat management. While his primary focus is on working with game species, Matthew has a passion for working with non-game and species of conservation need as well as education/outreach efforts.

Coastal Prairie Chapter programs are free and open to the public. This program will be held in-person at the Rosenberg Civic Center, 3825 TX-36, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Please plan to arrive at 6:00 pm for refreshments and social time. The program starts at 7pm.

Check back for Zoom registration link

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