The Rewards of Being an Alamo Area Master Naturalist
A volunteer is not paid in money, but doing work which is important and valuable to the community is the ultimate reward. You can be satisfied in helping to make a difference in Texas both now and for the future, in learning from experts in the field, in teaching others valuable information about the natural world, in building new friendships with people sharing your interests, and in gaining an appreciation for the natural world. Our chapter focuses on the proper management of our natural resources, thereby doing the community a priceless service. The sponsors and partners of this chapter recognize the dedication of our volunteers to our natural resources and greatly appreciate your efforts.
Training Texas Master Naturalists for Volunteer Service
Preparation for the training of the first Master Naturalist class again required the effective and dedicated natural resource community to come forward to write the training manual and provide instructors for the courses. The US Geological Survey and the US Department of Agriculture Extension Service were part of this collaboration. Vicki Worthington, a freelance writer and editor, volunteered for the arduous task of editing the original manual comprised of separately-drafted topic chapters from multiple experts into a comprehensive and similar format.
In 2003, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Master Naturalist Program Coordinator Michelle Haggerty developed the Texas Master Naturalist Statewide Curriculum for the training of Master Naturalist volunteers throughout the state. Serving as a training tool and reference resource, this manual evolved from the original collaboration of providing training materials to the early Master Naturalist students.
Training classes commenced in March 1997 and the students toasted to the future success of the Master Naturalist Program with champagne. Training sessions have proceeded bi-annually since that time with two classes of approximately 25 students graduating each May and November.
If you want to apply, please send an email to pball12@satx.rr.com to request an application or you may download it here: AAMN Member Application Seating is limited.
Applicants accepted into the training session will need to pay a $150.00 fee. This fee will pay for the Texas Master Naturalist Handbook, a name badge, the chapter newsletter, and other needed supplies. Scholarships are available.
Our chapter also accepts applications for Master Naturalist interns. Master Naturalist interns are high school students working toward becoming Texas Master Naturalists and attend the regular training sessions. Usually, five spots in each session are reserved for interns.
You will be notified via email or phone of receipt of this application. We will notify applicants of their selection status into the training program via email or postal mail approximately two weeks before the first class day of the session for which you applied.
The Alamo Area Master Naturalist chapter is open to all individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of socioeconomic level, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability.
