What is the Texas Master Naturalist Program?
How do I become a certified Master Naturalist?
What are the costs associated with becoming a Master Naturalist?
Describe the training program.
When and where is training held?
What are examples of projects that Master Naturalists are doing?
What is the Texas Master Naturalist Program?
The Texas Master Naturalist organization is a state-wide program designed to develop a corps 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.
Green Tree Frog (svl)
How do I become a certified Master Naturalist?
To become a certified Master Naturalist a trainee must complete the following:
- 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.
What are the costs associated with becoming a Master Naturalist?
For 2012, the Central Texas Chapter Master Natualist training fee is $150 per person. This includes the training materials, dues, a name badge, and other administrative costs. Once a member, the yearly dues are $24 to continue as a certified Master Naturalist.
Describe the training program.
Basic training consists of a minimum of 40 hours of instruction composed of classroom sessions and field trips. We 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 ecological 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.
Herpetology at Waco Zoo
When and where is training held?
Training is held each spring from March to May in a 6-7 week intensive course. Classes are held each Tuesday (usually lasting from 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.) at various locations around Bell County. The locations are all within local driving ranges and carpooling is available. The locations are subject to change each year as dictated by availability of facilities.
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 approved volunteer service annually (January – December). Most Master Naturalists find the program so rewarding that it is not uncommon for members to devote many hours beyond the minimum requirements. Within the Master Naturalist organization, there are service hour milestone awards for those who provide service beyond the minimum required hours.
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 examples of Central Texas Chapter projects would include: 
- Assist with field surveys of endangered bird species or deer populations at Fort Hood
- Work as part of a wetland restoration team such as that at Stillhouse Lake
- Present an interpretive program at Chalk Ridge Falls Park
- Create a pocket wildflower prairie in your city park
- Assist in a Junior Angler Education class
- Take part in a butterfly count at Salado or Fort Hood
- Develop and maintain nature trails at Miller Springs nature Area
- Write an article for our newsletter “The Tracker”
- Make a naturalist topical presentation to a cummunity group
- Help with or organize a beautification project for a community park as is being done in Salado
- Lead a school class on an interpretive nature hike at Miller Springs
- Be a mentor to the new class
- Conduct a ”Flying Wild” or “Growing Up Wild” workshop at a school
- Assist in native plant rescue, such as that in progress along I-35
- Volunteer in one of the many State programs such as the Texas Horned Lizard Watch
For more information about any upcoming Master Naturalist classes or to obtain associated forms, please visit the JOIN CTMN page.
