What is the Texas Master Naturalist Program?

The Texas Master Naturalist program is designed to develop a corp of well-informed volunteers who provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and AgriLIFE Extension serve as sponsors for the program.

How do I become a certified Master Naturalist?

• Complete an organized training program sponsored by a Master Naturalist chapter that involves a minimum of 40 hours of instruction composed of both classroom and field experiences.
• Obtain a minimum of 8 hours of approved advanced training.
• Complete a minimum of 40 hours of chapter approved volunteer service.

To retain certification in each subsequent year members must complete a minimum of 8 hours of advanced training and provide a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service in approved project activities.

How can I find the nearest Master Naturalist Chapter?

There are 39 chapters in Texas. While some serve a single county, a number of chapters involve several. Since the program began in 1997 new chapters continue to form each year.

To find a chapter near you visit the Texas Master Naturalist web site: http://masternaturalist.tamu.edu. Select the “Find a Chapter” option and click on the map for specific chapter locations.

Interested in developing a chapter in an area not served? Contact the state office to learn how to organize a new chapter and learn about training opportunities for new chapter development. To contact the state office phone: 979-458-1099 or email: sarnold@ag.tamu.edu

The chapter nearest me will not hold a class any time soon and I would like to assist the chapter with their projects. Is that possible?

Most chapters provide opportunities for others to assist with chapter projects. However, only volunteers who have completed the certification process may represent themselves as Texas Master Naturalists.

What does it cost to be a Master Naturalist?

Training fees and chapter dues vary from $50 to $120 depending on resources and field trips provided during the training. Contact the local chapter for details.

Describe the training program.

Basic training consists of a minimum of 40 hours of instruction composed of classroom sessions and field trips. Chapters involve local experts from the natural resource community as well as university professors, state and federal agency biologists and specialists and nature center staff members to serve as instructors.

Although a state curriculum is the cornerstone of instruction, each chapter is encouraged to provide instruction relevant to the local eco system and issues. Field trips are led by experts as well as certified Master Naturalists. Students and members have an opportunity to learn from and work along-side scientists, land stewards and other experts as they carry out the mission of the Master Naturalist program.

When and where is training held?

Most chapters offer training once a year either in the spring or fall. Enrollment is limited and applications are submitted prior to each class. Specific details for chapters are located on chapter web sites that can be accessed from the state web site: http://masternaturalist.tamu.edu or contact the state office, 979-458-1099 for information.

How much time is involved?

Beyond the initial certification requirement, minimum time requirements to retain certification are 8 hours of advanced training and 40 hours of service annually. Most Master Naturalists find the program so rewarding that it is not uncommon for members to devote many hours beyond the minimum requirements. But, that is a personal choice.

What are examples of projects that Master Naturalists are doing?

Each chapter could provide a lengthy list of projects they have completed and those in progress. A few real examples would include:

• Working as a wetland restoration team along a coastal area
• Assisting with field surveys of endangered species such as the Golden-cheeked warbler
• Presenting interpretive programs to campers at state parks
• Restoring a blackland prairie in a city park
• Assisting a nature center with the establishment of a herbarium
• Developing and maintaining nature trails and leading informative hikes
• Improving a wetland habitat along a river
• Assisting with a turtle patrol along a beach
• Leading a school class on a nature hike or conducting a workshop at a school
• Assisting with the Texas Horned Lizard Watch

What do Master Naturalist members say about their involvement?

“I enjoy the Texas Master Naturalist program because of the people, the knowledge and the fantastic sense of satisfaction”! – Donna Cole, North Texas Chapter

“I enjoy the Texas Master Naturalist program because it restores my faith in humankind as well as reconnecting me to my natural world”.–Norm McGinnis, Capital Area Chapter

I enjoy the Texas Master Naturalist program because it proves to me over and over that each of us –even me- can make a difference and change our world for the better-especially if we all work together”.-Teresa Lynn, Hill Country Chapter

“Through the Master Naturalist program I have been able to meet new people with the same interests, volunteer to help reach new generations…and enjoy the natural world”.-Unknown Texas Master Naturalist Volunteer

“There is a great diversity of people who share a common love-and I can dress ‘grubby”.

“It helps me learn how to manage our 5 acres”.

“I learn something new every time I volunteer and work with people on the same project”