How do I get my 40 hours a year?
In order to attain certification, a Texas Master Naturalist trainee must complete a minimum of 40 volunteer service hours on pre-approved projects within one year of the initial training series. In order to retain the title of Certified Texas Master Naturalist, a volunteer must complete another 40 service hours on pre-approved projects in every subsequent year. Volunteer service hours are those direct contact hours spent on Texas Master Naturalist projects approved by the local chapter. (Thus, volunteer hours credited for the TMN program may not be credited from or to another Master Volunteer or other volunteer program). Sometimes travel and prep time for specific projects may be counted as service time as determined by the local chapter. Service activities relating to the development and management of a local chapter, such as serving as a board member, should receive volunteer service credit hours.
Volunteer service project opportunities can be presented by various different identities ranging from the state program sponsors, the chapter, local chapter partners, an individual volunteer, other agencies such as city, county, state and federal agencies and even nature centers and schools. Several chapters have even successfully instituted a “class project” where the current training class of the chapter finds/develops and mutually agrees to volunteer for the project as a group and receive their required volunteer service hours at the same time.
Travel Time
The El Camino Real Chapter has approved travel time as a part of volunteer hours. However, per state guidelines, travel time is not approved for advanced training.
Reporting Procedures
Volunteer hours are reported either through the Volunteer Event Report Form which is a group participation sign up sheet or through the TMN Individual Hours Template. Both forms are included below. The Event Form sign up sheet will be delivered to the chapter membership chair designee. The Individual Hours Template can be delivered or emailed directly to the chapter membership chair designee.
To retrieve the appropriate signin form, see Documents.
