The Texas Master Naturalist program currently has 42 chapters located across the state and aims to develop a corps of well-informed citizen volunteers who educate local communities about the wildlife management and the importance of our natural resources. Nineteen chapters of the Texas Master Naturalist program are conducting 2011 spring training classes for volunteers wanting to learn about natural resource, conservation and habitat management.
The main qualification needed to become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist is an interest in learning and playing an active part in habitat conservation and education. Volunteers will receive a minimum of 40 hours training from educators and specialists from places such as universities, natural resource agencies, nature centers and museums. Training topics include interpretation and management of natural resources, ecological concepts, eco-regions in Texas and natural systems management. If you appreciate the outdoors, wildlife, and native plants then you will enjoy these classes!
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 8 hours of advance training in areas of personal interest. Texas Master Naturalist chapters offering volunteer training this spring are listed with contact information. Enrollment is limited in most chapters and registration deadlines are fast approaching, so contact a chapter near you to see if seating is still available.
- Angleton–Cradle of Texas Chapter. Training is being planned for a February starting date. Enrollment is open now. Specific information is available by contacting ljb823@comcast.net or call 979-265-3813.
- Bastrop–Lost Pines Chapter. Training begins January 31 and registration is due by January 28. Additional information available by calling 512-589-3438 or email: pboudreaux@eccwireless.com
- Brenham–Gideon Lincecum Chapter. Classes begin January 29 at the Winedale Historical Center. Registration deadline is January 24 with a class limit of 25 students. For details call 713-254-6525 or email marykelleyjones@hotmail.com
- Clarksville–Red River Chapter. Plans are being made to conduct a class in early 2011. For information contact greenwood@1starnet.com or call 903-966-2722.
- Conroe–Heartwood Chapter. Classes begin March 19 and the registration deadline is March 5. For additional information call 936-273-2261 (ext 401) or email: training@heartwoodtmn.org
- Dallas–North Texas Chapter. Registration deadline is January 21. Classes begin February 15. Call 214-343-0720 or email: education@ntmn.org for more information.
- El Paso–Trans-Pecos Chapter. Classes start on February 9 and registration is needed by January 31. Contact 575-644-7478 or decasillas@utep.edu for details.
- Georgetown–Good Water Chapter. Training begins March 8 and the registration deadline is set for February 25. More information is available from mgardener@suddenlink.net or call 512-869-8016.
- Houston–Gulf Coast Chapter. Classes begin February 7 and registration is needed no later than January 15. Call 713-721-7773 or email: pgcook@gmail.com for specific information.
- Jefferson–Cypress Basin Chapter. Training begins February 18, 2011 and applications are due January 21. Details are available by calling 903-777-4664 or email: bgmorgan46@yahoo.com
- Livingston–Piney Wood Lakes Chapter. Classes begin January 18 and your registration is needed no later than January 6. For details call 281-216-7495 or email: skmoran@suddenlink.net
- McKinney–Blackland Prairie Chapter. The first class is set for February 9 and applications due by January 25. Call 972-248-6283 or email svevans@sbcglobal.net for information.
- San Antonio–Alamo Area Chapter. Registration will close in early February for the class that begins February 24. Become a member of the state’s original chapter by contacting pbball@satx.rr.com or call 210-764-1921.
- San Benito–Rio Grande Valley Chapter. Class begins on January 12 and your registration is needed no later that January 5. Email rgvctmheduchair@gmail.com or telephone 817-913-1811 for more information.
- Temple–Central Texas Chapter. Your registration is need by February 15 to be included in the class that starts on March 29. Contact trascoe@hot.rr.com or call 254-913-1013.
- Waco–Heart of Texas Chapter. Classes begin on January 13 and registration is open now. Details are available by contacting meganmi@ci.waco.tx.us or call 254-751-8538.
- Waxahachie–Indian Trail Chapter. Join this chapter that plans to start a class on March 19. Your registration is due by February 15. For details contact egtxranch@msn.com or telephone 214-422-5575.
- Wichita Falls–Rolling Plains Chapter. Class begins on March 22 with your application needed no later than March 11. Contact mark.howell@tpwd.state.tx.us or call 940-766-2383.
The Texas Master Naturalist Program is co-sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas AgriLife Extension. For more information about existing chapters, forming a new chapter, or class schedules contact Sonny Arnold at 979-458-1099 or email him at sarnold@ag.tamu.edu. Complete information about the Texas Master Naturalist program is available here.