Program Overview
Master Naturalists are dedicated to the conservation, preservation, and restoration of our natural resources, and promoting ecological education for all. Upon completing a comprehensive training program, Master Naturalist volunteers provide programs and projects that increase appreciation of our natural environment, promote the maintenance of and sustainable use of public open spaces, and protect and preserve native flora and fauna and their habitats.
To join us and become a certified Texas Master Naturalist, you must complete a minimum of 60-hour of basic training on the region’s natural features and the impact that people have on nature. Training courses are held in the fall of each year and average 20 to 30 students. The course includes presentations by biologists, geologists, naturalists, and others from local, state, and federal agencies and universities.
You must complete a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of advanced training during the first 12 months following your completion of the course (to be completed before your course’s graduation anniversary date). Advanced training enables Texas Master Naturalists to learn additional knowledge or a particular skill in order to assist with different volunteer projects. Advanced training activities in the past have involved hands-on instruction, field trips to local natural areas, and lectures with such topics as: Texas bats, Texas insects, Texas aquatic environments, wildscape development, and trail planning, among many others.
Curriculum
2018 Training Class Schedule – 2019 Schedule will be available soon.
Timeline of Events
July 26th, 2019 – Applications are Due
Applications, the Course Curriculum and information about the Master Naturalist volunteer program are available on this website, or by emailing efcmn.training@gmail.com
June 20, 2019 – Elm Fork Chapter Master Naturalist OPEN HOUSE 10 am to 1 pm
This is an opportunity to talk to current Master Naturalists and ask questions. Join us for an informal gathering of folks with a common interest in our natural world. Come for lunch, learn more about this volunteer program, learn about and view exhibits displaying some of the many completed and ongoing community Elm Fork Chapter projects. LOCATION: Denton County Elections Building located at 701 Kimberly Drive, Denton 76208
August 1, 2019 – TEXTBOOKS AVAILABLE
You are encouraged to pick up your textbook in advance of the first class.
Books are available to you for pick up at the AgriLife Office, 401 West Hickory Street. Denton, TX 76201. (Joseph A. Carroll Bldg.)
August 27, 2019 – November 12, 2019 – 2019 Master Naturalist Training Classes
Classes are scheduled on each Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Global Spheres, 7801 I-35E, Corinth, Texas. Instructors are specialists in diverse fields of ecological studies. The curriculum includes classroom and field study. The training fee for 2019 is $150.
If you have questions regarding the classes for 2019 please contact efcmn.training@gmail.com
2019 Application
Applications are now being accepted for our 2019 Training Class. The application is available below.
Class size is limited. Early submission of applications is encouraged. Applications received after the class is full will be placed on a waiting list.
If there are questions please contact efcmn.training@gmail.com