Master Naturalist Program Seeks Applicants

Tom Harvey, 512-389-4453, tom.harvey@tpwd.texas.gov

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AUSTIN, Texas — Twelve chapters of the Texas Master Naturalist program are offering fall training classes for volunteers who want to learn about and help conserve the state’s natural resources.

The Texas Master Naturalist program — now with 26 chapters statewide — aims to develop a corps of well-informed citizen volunteers who educate their communities about the management of natural resources.

The main qualification needed to become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist is an interest in learning and playing an active part in conservation. Volunteers receive about 40 hours of training from educators and specialists from places such as universities, agencies, nature centers and museums. Training topics include interpretation and management of natural resources, ecological concepts, eco-regions of Texas and natural systems management. Volunteers are expected to give 40 hours of service a year in community education, demonstration and habitat enhancement projects. They are also expected to pursue a minimum of eight hours of advance training in areas of personal interest.

Texas Master Naturalist Chapters offering volunteer training this fall are listed below with contact information. Enrollment is limited in most chapters. Some registration deadlines have passed, but contact the chapter to see if space is still available.

  • Amarillo — Panhandle Chapter. Training begins Sept. 11. For more information, phone (806) 352-7463 or e-mail: SuThomps@tccq.state.tx.us
  • Angleton — Cradle of Texas Chapter. Training begins Sept. 8. For more information phone (979) 849-1564, ext. 112 or e-mail: r-tillman@tamu.edu
  • Beaumont — Upper Coast Chapter. Training begins Sept. 15. Phone (409) 835-8461 or e-mail: tslooney@tamu.edu
  • Burnet — Highland Lakes Chapter. Classes begin Sept. 9. For information phone (512) 756-5463 or e-mail: burnet-tx@tamu.edu
  • Corpus Christi — South Texas Chapter. Classes begin Sept. 16. For more information phone (361) 767-5217 or e-mail: wm-womack@tamu.edu
  • Denton — Elm Fork Chapter. Classes begin Sept. 7. For more information phone (940) 349-2883 or e-mail: jn-cooper@tamu.edu
  • Fort Worth — Cross Timbers Chapter. Classes begin Aug. 31. Phone (817) 355-4832 or e-mail: membership@ctmn.org
  • Galveston — Galveston Bay Area Chapter. Training begins Aug. 26. For details phone (281) 534-3413, ext.3 or e-mail: jk-massey@tamu.edu
  • Houston — Gulf Coast Chapter. Classes begin Aug. 28. Phone (281) 855-5600 or e-mail: gcmn@tamu.edu
  • Kerrville — Hill Country Chapter. Classes begin Sept. 8. For information phone (830) 634-2545 or e-mail: mn@penasco.net
  • New Braunfels — Lindheimer Chapter. Classes begin Oct. 10. For information phone (830) 620-3440 or e-mail: elee@gutc.com
  • San Antonio — Alamo Area Chapter. Classes start Sept. 16. For information phone (210) 698-2397 or e-mail: www.alamomasternaturalist.org

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas Cooperative Extension co-sponsor the Texas Master Naturalist Program statewide. For more information about existing chapters or forming a new chapter contact Sonny Arnold, assistant program coordinator, 111 Nagle Hall, 2258, TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2258, or phone (979) 458-1099 or e-mail: sarnold@ag.tamu.edu.