Class of 1993
Myrna Engle was an exceptional individual who deserves the honor of Texas Emerita Master Gardener status. This recognition reflects a lifetime dedicated to horticultural excellence and the propagation of sustainable, wildlife-friendly gardening practices. Her journey as a Master Gardener began in 1993, a mere four years after the inception of the Denton County Master Gardener Association, where she quickly became an integral part of the organization. Myrna’s unwavering passion for gardening and nature was undeniably evident in her ability to flourish despite various health challenges.
Myrna’s achievements include being recognized as a DCMGA Honorary Life Member in 2009. She received an Honorable Mention at the 2001 Texas Master Gardener state conference for the Isle Du Bois Birding List project she led. Myrna’s dedication extended beyond formal roles, as she generously shared her wealth of knowledge by answering community inquiries and contributing articles about birding and vegetable gardening to DCMGA’s first newsletter, the Roto-Teller.
One of her most notable contributions was her role as the team lead for birding and wildflower tours at the “Plants, Birds, and Elephants-Oh My” event at Lewisville Independent School District Outdoor Learning Area in 2005. Her home garden was on the Garden Tour in 2001 and 2003, and she opened her home to host a potting party in 2005, where she provided plants for the annual plant sale, benefiting the community and the Master Gardener mission.
Myrna’s remarkable commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship went beyond gardening. Society of Texas as a Master Naturalist in 1999, along with her membership in the Audubon Society and the Native Plant Society of Texas, highlighted her dedication to preserving the natural world. Her active involvement in birding, especially her efforts in coordinating field studies at Lake Ray Roberts, demonstrated her extensive knowledge and love for avian life.
Myrna’s early years in the community as an “instant protestor,” advocating for habitat preservation, exemplified her deep-rooted commitment to the environment. She showed, until her passing in 2022, that a passion for gardening and conservation was not only a hobby but a lifelong dedication.
Myrna Engle’s remarkable contributions to the Denton County Master Gardener Association, her extensive knowledge in gardening and conservation, and her unwavering commitment to the environment make her the ideal candidate for Texas Emerita Master Gardener status. Her life’s work has left an indelible mark on the gardening community, and this recognition is a well-deserved acknowledgment of her exceptional contributions.