Texas Master Naturalist
The Mission: To develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas.
The Need: Many communities and organizations rely on such citizen volunteers for implementing youth education programs; for operating parks, nature centers, and natural areas; and for providing leadership in local natural resource conservation efforts. In fact, a short supply of dedicated and well-informed volunteers is often cited as a limiting factor for community-based conservation efforts.
Upcoming Events
Texas Master Naturalist Trainings
Many of the chapters of the Texas Master Naturalist program are conducting training classes in the fall months for volunteers wanting to learn about natural resource and conservation management. Find your chapter near you and listed below with those twenty chapters hosting these fall 2018 trainings.
The main qualification needed to become a certified Texas Master Naturalist is an interest in learning and playing an active part in conservation. Volunteers will receive a minimum of 40 hours of basic 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. Volunteers are then asked to provide enhancement projects in order to maintain certification as a Texas Master Naturalist. They are also expected to pursue a minimum of eight hours of advanced training in areas of personal interest. However, many of the volunteers will go above and beyond their basic requirements once involved, and are encouraged to develop personal projects connecting to the mission of the chapter and statewide program.
For more reasons to join the Texas Master Naturalist program, we encourage you to watch the various videos on the 20th Anniversary YouTube playlist, giving key insights to why volunteers across the state became Master Naturalists: https://tinyurl.com/y8my8jpw
You can also follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TexasMasterNaturalistProgram/
The following Texas Master Naturalist chapters are offering volunteer training this fall. Enrollment is limited in most chapters. Some registration deadlines are fast approaching so contact a chapter near you to see if seating is still available. (Listed in alphabetical order by chapter name)
Chapter Name: Alamo Area
Applications Accepted June 28 – August 9 (Online only): txmn.org/alamo/class
Registration and Orientation: August 30, 5:00-8:00PM
Training Dates and Times: September 6 through November 8
Classes (Afternoon): 12:30-4:30PM (Thursday)
Plus required field trips, most held on Saturday mornings
Class Location: Urban Ecology Center, Phil Hardberger Park-West
8400 NW Military Highway, San Antonio, TX 78230
Class Limit: 50
Registration Fee: $200
Training Contact: Jeanette Geiman
aamntraining@gmail.com
Chapter Website: txmn.org/alamo
Registration and Orientation: August 30, 5:00-8:00PM
Training Dates and Times: September 6 through November 8
Classes (Afternoon): 12:30-4:30PM (Thursday)
Plus required field trips, most held on Saturday mornings
Class Location: Urban Ecology Center, Phil Hardberger Park-West
8400 NW Military Highway, San Antonio, TX 78230
Class Limit: 50
Registration Fee: $200
Training Contact: Jeanette Geiman
aamntraining@gmail.com
Chapter Website: txmn.org/alamo
Chapter Name: Balcones Canyonlands
Applications accepted until August 15, 2018 https://txmn.org/balcones/application-2018/ Training Dates and Times: August 30, 2018 through April 18, 2019
Classes (Evening): 7:00-9:00PM (Thursdays)
Class Location: 11400 Concordia University Dr, Austin, TX 78726
Class Limit: 50
Registration Fee: $150 for non CTX Students, $85 for CTX Student
Training Contact: txmn2016petea@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/balcones/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BalconesCanyonlandsTMN/
Classes (Evening): 7:00-9:00PM (Thursdays)
Class Location: 11400 Concordia University Dr, Austin, TX 78726
Class Limit: 50
Registration Fee: $150 for non CTX Students, $85 for CTX Student
Training Contact: txmn2016petea@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/balcones/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BalconesCanyonlandsTMN/
Chapter Name: Big Country
Applications accepted until August 1, 2018: https://txmn.org/bc/files/2018/05/MN-2018-Training-Application-.pdf
Registration and Orientation: August 30, 7:00-9:00PM
Training Dates and Times: August 30, 2018 through November 15, 2018
Classes (Evening): 6:00-9:00PM (Thursdays) and up to two Saturday classes
Class Location: Taylor County Extension, 1982 Lytle Way, Abilene, TX 79602
Class Limit: 20
Registration Fee: $125
Training Contact: Terrence (T.J.) Boyle, boyle.terrence@mcm.edu
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/bc
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BCTXMN/
Registration and Orientation: August 30, 7:00-9:00PM
Training Dates and Times: August 30, 2018 through November 15, 2018
Classes (Evening): 6:00-9:00PM (Thursdays) and up to two Saturday classes
Class Location: Taylor County Extension, 1982 Lytle Way, Abilene, TX 79602
Class Limit: 20
Registration Fee: $125
Training Contact: Terrence (T.J.) Boyle, boyle.terrence@mcm.edu
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/bc
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/BCTXMN/
Chapter Name: Bluestem
Applications accepted until July 26, 2018: https://txmn.org/bluestem/files/2018/06/TMN-BLUESTEM-APP-FALL-2018.pdf
Registration and Orientation: August 7, 6:00-9:30PM at GC Courthouse, 100 W. Houston, Sherman, Texas 75090
Training Dates and Times: August 2018 through December 2018
Classes: Occasional Saturdays 9AM-4 PM; Occasional Tuesdays 6-9 PM
Class Locations:, Hagerman Wildlife Refuge, Grayson County Courthouse and Eisenhower State Park
Registration Fee: $100
Training Contact: Cathy Van Bebber – cathyvanbebber@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/bc
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluestemmasternaturalists/
Registration and Orientation: August 7, 6:00-9:30PM at GC Courthouse, 100 W. Houston, Sherman, Texas 75090
Training Dates and Times: August 2018 through December 2018
Classes: Occasional Saturdays 9AM-4 PM; Occasional Tuesdays 6-9 PM
Class Locations:, Hagerman Wildlife Refuge, Grayson County Courthouse and Eisenhower State Park
Registration Fee: $100
Training Contact: Cathy Van Bebber – cathyvanbebber@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/bc
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/bluestemmasternaturalists/
Chapter Name: Brazos Valley
*now covering Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, and Robertson Counties
Training Dates: 4 Sept – 13 Nov 2018 plus 5 Saturday field studies (22 & 29 Sept; 13 & 20 Oct; & 3 Nov)
Times & Location: Classes Tuesday evenings, 6:00-9:00 pm at Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History and Biodiversity Research & Teaching Collections; Field trips Saturdays, 9:00 am-12:00 or 1:00 pm at various locations
Class Limit (if applicable): 25
Registration Fee (if applicable): $150 ($275 for couple using shared materials)
Registration Deadline: 21 August 2018
Training Contact Name & Email: Betty Vermeire, bavermeire@suddenlink.net
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/brazos/
Chapter Facebook Page: yes
Training Dates: 4 Sept – 13 Nov 2018 plus 5 Saturday field studies (22 & 29 Sept; 13 & 20 Oct; & 3 Nov)
Times & Location: Classes Tuesday evenings, 6:00-9:00 pm at Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History and Biodiversity Research & Teaching Collections; Field trips Saturdays, 9:00 am-12:00 or 1:00 pm at various locations
Class Limit (if applicable): 25
Registration Fee (if applicable): $150 ($275 for couple using shared materials)
Registration Deadline: 21 August 2018
Training Contact Name & Email: Betty Vermeire, bavermeire@suddenlink.net
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/brazos/
Chapter Facebook Page: yes
Chapter Name: Coastal Prairie
Applications accepted until August 1, 2018: https://txmn.org/coastal/files/2018/03/2018-TMN-Application-3.pdf
Registration and Orientation: August 25,2018
Training Dates and Times: August 25, 2018 through October 2018
Classes: Saturdays and Tuesday Evenings
Class Location: Various Locations in Fort Bend and Waller Counties
Class Limit: 20
Registration Fee: $175
Training Contact: Margo Mac McDowell, Program Coordinator
281-633-7033
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/coastal/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TXMNCoastal/
Registration and Orientation: August 25,2018
Training Dates and Times: August 25, 2018 through October 2018
Classes: Saturdays and Tuesday Evenings
Class Location: Various Locations in Fort Bend and Waller Counties
Class Limit: 20
Registration Fee: $175
Training Contact: Margo Mac McDowell, Program Coordinator
281-633-7033
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/coastal/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TXMNCoastal/
Chapter Name: Cradle of Texas
Applications :http://tmn-cot.org/Forms/InternApp.pdf
Registration and Orientation: September 5, 2018
Training Dates and Times: September 5, 2018 through December 12, 2018
Classes: Wednesday Mornings and Various Afternoons
Class Location: Various Locations around Angleton
Class Limit: 15
Registration Fee: S100
Training Contact: Carolyn May-Monie, 979-236-3341, maymonie@tmn-cot.org
Chapter Website: http://tmn-cot.org/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TMN.COT/
Registration and Orientation: September 5, 2018
Training Dates and Times: September 5, 2018 through December 12, 2018
Classes: Wednesday Mornings and Various Afternoons
Class Location: Various Locations around Angleton
Class Limit: 15
Registration Fee: S100
Training Contact: Carolyn May-Monie, 979-236-3341, maymonie@tmn-cot.org
Chapter Website: http://tmn-cot.org/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TMN.COT/
Chapter Name: Cross Timbers
Applications accepted until July 27, 2018: http://www.ctmn.org/CTMN-training-application.php
Registration and Orientation: August 21,2018
Training Dates and Times: August 21, 2018 through October 23, 2018
Classes: Tuesdays 6-9PM, Occasional Saturdays
Class Location: Hardwick Centre and various field trip locations
Class Limit: 25
Registration Fee: $150
Training Contact: Melinda Pajak, traning@ctmn.org
Chapter Website: http://www.ctmn.org/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/116630178372184/
Registration and Orientation: August 21,2018
Training Dates and Times: August 21, 2018 through October 23, 2018
Classes: Tuesdays 6-9PM, Occasional Saturdays
Class Location: Hardwick Centre and various field trip locations
Class Limit: 25
Registration Fee: $150
Training Contact: Melinda Pajak, traning@ctmn.org
Chapter Website: http://www.ctmn.org/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/116630178372184/
Chapter Name: East Texas
Applications accepted first come-first served through January 14th, 2019 https://txmn.org/etwd/files/2017/07/2017-ETCMN-Application-basic.pdf
Training Dates and Times: Begins January 22nd, 2019 from 6-9 pm (note early spring start)
Classes: Classes meet almost every Tuesday evening until mid-April, 2019
Class Location: The Tyler Nature Center, 11942 FM 848, Tyler, TX 75707
Class Limit: 25
Registration Fee: $150
Training Contact: Beverly Guthrie, finwten@sbcglobal.net
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/etwd/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/East-Texas-Chapter-Master-Naturalists-208785775835292/
Training Dates and Times: Begins January 22nd, 2019 from 6-9 pm (note early spring start)
Classes: Classes meet almost every Tuesday evening until mid-April, 2019
Class Location: The Tyler Nature Center, 11942 FM 848, Tyler, TX 75707
Class Limit: 25
Registration Fee: $150
Training Contact: Beverly Guthrie, finwten@sbcglobal.net
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/etwd/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/East-Texas-Chapter-Master-Naturalists-208785775835292/
Chapter Name: Elm Fork
Training Dates: 12 consecutive Tuesdays from 8/28/18 through 11/13/18
Times & Location: Tuesdays, 9:00AM – 3:00PM, locations vary.
Class Limit (if applicable): 30
Registration Fee (if applicable): $150.00
Registration Deadline: July 27th
Training Contact Name & Email: Jan Deatherage, EFCMN.Training@gmail.com
Chapter Website: txmn.org/elmfork
Chapter Facebook Page: Elm Fork Chapter Texas Master Naturalist
Times & Location: Tuesdays, 9:00AM – 3:00PM, locations vary.
Class Limit (if applicable): 30
Registration Fee (if applicable): $150.00
Registration Deadline: July 27th
Training Contact Name & Email: Jan Deatherage, EFCMN.Training@gmail.com
Chapter Website: txmn.org/elmfork
Chapter Facebook Page: Elm Fork Chapter Texas Master Naturalist
Chapter Name: Good Water
Applications accepted first come-first serve until limit reached: https://txmn.org/goodwater/Training-class-online-application/
Registration and Orientation: September 4, 2018
Training Dates and Times: September 4, 2018 through December 11, 2018
Classes: Tuesdays 6:00-9:30, some Saturdays
Class Location: Georgetown Church of Christ, 1525 W University Ave., Georgetown, TX 78628
Class Limit: 30 (first 30 applicants admitted)
Registration Fee: $150 per person or $270 for couples sharing a manual
Training Contact: Mary Ann Melton 512-740-1133 & Nancy Phillips (210) 410-1325
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/goodwater/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GoodWaterMasterNaturalists/
Registration and Orientation: September 4, 2018
Training Dates and Times: September 4, 2018 through December 11, 2018
Classes: Tuesdays 6:00-9:30, some Saturdays
Class Location: Georgetown Church of Christ, 1525 W University Ave., Georgetown, TX 78628
Class Limit: 30 (first 30 applicants admitted)
Registration Fee: $150 per person or $270 for couples sharing a manual
Training Contact: Mary Ann Melton 512-740-1133 & Nancy Phillips (210) 410-1325
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/goodwater/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/GoodWaterMasterNaturalists/
Chapter Name: Guadalupe
Training Dates: August 21 – November 17, 2018
Times & Location: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
AgriLife Extension Building, 210 E. Live Oak, Seguin, TX 78155
Class Limit (if applicable): 25
Registration Fee (if applicable): $110.00
Registration Deadline: July 31, 2018
Training Contact Name & Email: Marilyn Anderson; MarilynA@access4less.net
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/guadalupe
Chapter Facebook Page: Guadalupe Master Naturalists
Times & Location: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
AgriLife Extension Building, 210 E. Live Oak, Seguin, TX 78155
Class Limit (if applicable): 25
Registration Fee (if applicable): $110.00
Registration Deadline: July 31, 2018
Training Contact Name & Email: Marilyn Anderson; MarilynA@access4less.net
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/guadalupe
Chapter Facebook Page: Guadalupe Master Naturalists
Chapter Name: Gulf Coast
Registration and Orientation: Registration by July 18th (via email to contact below); Orientation Day: August 18
Training Dates and Times: Tuesday evenings August 21 thru Dec 4
Classes: Tuesday evening classes with five Saturday field trips
Class Location: Downtown, at or near the University of Houston-Downtown campus
Class Limit: 20
Registration Fee: $175
Training Contact: New Class Director, new.class.director@txgcmn.org
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/gulfcoast/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TXGCMN/
Training Dates and Times: Tuesday evenings August 21 thru Dec 4
Classes: Tuesday evening classes with five Saturday field trips
Class Location: Downtown, at or near the University of Houston-Downtown campus
Class Limit: 20
Registration Fee: $175
Training Contact: New Class Director, new.class.director@txgcmn.org
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/gulfcoast/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TXGCMN/
Chapter Name: Hill Country
Applications accepted through July 14th: https://txmn.org/hillcountry/online-application/
Registration and Orientation: August 20th, 2018, Kerr Arts and Cultural Center
Training Dates and Times: August 22, 2018 through November 14, 2018
Classes: Wednesdays
Class Location: Upper Guadalupe River Authority Lecture Hall
Class Limit: 40
Registration Fee: $200
Training Contact: Membership Director, hillcountrymembership@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/hillcountry/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TMNHillCountryChapter/
Registration and Orientation: August 20th, 2018, Kerr Arts and Cultural Center
Training Dates and Times: August 22, 2018 through November 14, 2018
Classes: Wednesdays
Class Location: Upper Guadalupe River Authority Lecture Hall
Class Limit: 40
Registration Fee: $200
Training Contact: Membership Director, hillcountrymembership@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/hillcountry/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TMNHillCountryChapter/
Chapter Name: Indian Trail
Training Dates: August 21 – November 13, 2018
Times & Location: 6:00 – 9:00 pm 505 West Marvin Ave., Waxahachie, TX 75165
Class Limit (if applicable): 20
Registration Fee (if applicable): $150.
Registration Deadline: July 16, 2018
Training Contact Name & Email: Lynn Wisakowsky training@itmn.com
Chapter Website: txmn.org/indiantrail
Chapter Facebook Page: @indiantrailtxmn
Times & Location: 6:00 – 9:00 pm 505 West Marvin Ave., Waxahachie, TX 75165
Class Limit (if applicable): 20
Registration Fee (if applicable): $150.
Registration Deadline: July 16, 2018
Training Contact Name & Email: Lynn Wisakowsky training@itmn.com
Chapter Website: txmn.org/indiantrail
Chapter Facebook Page: @indiantrailtxmn
Chapter Name: Lindheimer
Applications accepted until October 1st; the application link will be posted on August 1, 2018
Orientation: October 23, 2018
Training Dates and Times: October 2018 through October 2019
Classes: Monthly, with several field trips
Class Location: 325 Resource Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78132
Class Limit: 30 students
Registration Fee: $150 per person or $270 for couples sharing a manual
Training Contacts: Mike Hammack and Joe Finneran, LindheimerMN.Education@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/lindheimer/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/txmn.lindheimer/
Orientation: October 23, 2018
Training Dates and Times: October 2018 through October 2019
Classes: Monthly, with several field trips
Class Location: 325 Resource Dr, New Braunfels, TX 78132
Class Limit: 30 students
Registration Fee: $150 per person or $270 for couples sharing a manual
Training Contacts: Mike Hammack and Joe Finneran, LindheimerMN.Education@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/lindheimer/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/txmn.lindheimer/
Chapter Name: Lower Trinity Basin
Applications accepted through June 15th: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H4wsj15w48IBD31-ewmYW1JtoHg-Z1Oy/view
Registration and Orientation: June 28th
Training Dates and Times: July 19th, 2018 through November 1st
Classes: Thursday evenings, scheduled field trips
Class Location: Lee College Liberty Extension Building
Class Limit: 20
Registration Fee: $150 fee and $25 dues
Training Contact: Karen Morris, 713-854-4482
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/lowertrinitybasin/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lowertrinitybasin/
Registration and Orientation: June 28th
Training Dates and Times: July 19th, 2018 through November 1st
Classes: Thursday evenings, scheduled field trips
Class Location: Lee College Liberty Extension Building
Class Limit: 20
Registration Fee: $150 fee and $25 dues
Training Contact: Karen Morris, 713-854-4482
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/lowertrinitybasin/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/lowertrinitybasin/
Chapter Name: Rio Grande Valley
Applications accepted through July 31, 2018: https://rgvctmn.org/2018-class-application-new/
Registration and Orientation: Wednesday August 29th, Cameron County Annex Building
Training Dates and Times: August 29th, 2018 through October 17, 2018
Classes: Wednesday evenings and occasional Saturdays
Class Location: Various in surrounding areas
Class Limit: 25 (minimum:15)
Registration Fee: $150
Training Contact: Joni, 956-455-7310
Chapter Website: https://rgvctmn.org/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/449584998398407/
Registration and Orientation: Wednesday August 29th, Cameron County Annex Building
Training Dates and Times: August 29th, 2018 through October 17, 2018
Classes: Wednesday evenings and occasional Saturdays
Class Location: Various in surrounding areas
Class Limit: 25 (minimum:15)
Registration Fee: $150
Training Contact: Joni, 956-455-7310
Chapter Website: https://rgvctmn.org/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/449584998398407/
Chapter Name: Sabine Neches
Applications accepted first come-first serve until limit reached: https://txmn.org/tmn-vms-users/ (follow instructions found on home page of website)
Open House and Orientation: Thursday, July 26th, 6:30 PM at Big Thicket Association Office
Training Dates and Times: August 30th through December 8, 2018
Classes: Thursday Evenings and Saturdays each week
Class Location: Various locations in Orange, Jefferson, and Hardin Counties
Class Limit: 20
Registration Fee: $140
Training Contact: Randy Beehn 281-414-4304 beehner@att.net
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/sabine/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Sabine-Neches-Chapter-Texas-Master-Naturalist-136565026402774/
Open House and Orientation: Thursday, July 26th, 6:30 PM at Big Thicket Association Office
Training Dates and Times: August 30th through December 8, 2018
Classes: Thursday Evenings and Saturdays each week
Class Location: Various locations in Orange, Jefferson, and Hardin Counties
Class Limit: 20
Registration Fee: $140
Training Contact: Randy Beehn 281-414-4304 beehner@att.net
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/sabine/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Sabine-Neches-Chapter-Texas-Master-Naturalist-136565026402774/
Chapter Name: South Texas
Applications: https://txmn.org/st/files/2013/11/Register-to-Become-a-Member.pdf
Open House and Orientation: August 25, 2018
Training Dates and Times: August 25, 2018 through December 8, 2018
Classes: Thursday Evenings and some Saturdays
Class Location: Various in Nueces, Kleberg, and Kennedy counties
Class Limit: 30 (first 30 applicants admitted)
Registration Fee: $150
Training Contact: Carlos H. Valdez Sr., 361-8854-1772
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/st/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/txmnst/
Open House and Orientation: August 25, 2018
Training Dates and Times: August 25, 2018 through December 8, 2018
Classes: Thursday Evenings and some Saturdays
Class Location: Various in Nueces, Kleberg, and Kennedy counties
Class Limit: 30 (first 30 applicants admitted)
Registration Fee: $150
Training Contact: Carlos H. Valdez Sr., 361-8854-1772
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/st/
Chapter Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/txmnst/
For more information about existing chapters or forming a new chapter contact Mary Pearl Meuth, Texas Master Naturalist Program Assistant State Coordinator, by email: mpmeuth@tamu.edu or by phone at: (979) 845-7294.
Highlights of chapter’s projects, state-wide initiatives and program achievements can also be found on the Texas Master Naturalist Programs Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/TexasMasterNaturalistProgram
