*** We are no long accepting applications for our 2024 Texas Master Naturalist Volunteer Program***
This year’s Master Naturalist training class is already in session. Our next training class will be in August of 2025. Be sure to watch for our applications July of 2025.
The Texas Master Naturalist program offers many opportunities to learn and teach others. Training includes entomology, ornithology, mammalogy, botany, ecology, archaeology, geology, meteorology, and astronomy.
If you live in Taylor, Callahan, Coleman, Eastland, Fisher, Jones, Haskell, Knox, Nolan, Runnels, Shackelford, Stephens and Throckmorton County, you are eligible to apply.
Classes typically run on Thursdays beginning in the middle of August through the middle of November and we will have 3 Saturday field sessions. An example of the application can be found here: Big Country Master Naturalist 2024 Training Application
Please see schedule on the last page of the application for a tentative list of class dates and time.
Questions may be directed to the office at 325-672-6048.
What is a Master Naturalist?
Someone who loves being outdoors, loves native plants & wildlife and has a passion for habitat restoration and community outreach. Someone who is interested in citizen science, hiking, astronomy & outdoor activities.
The mission of the Texas Master Naturalist program is to train 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 program currently supports 10,400 volunteers in 46 local chapters across the state. Many communities and organizations rely on these citizen volunteers for operating parks, nature centers, and natural areas; and for providing leadership in local natural resource conservation efforts.
What does it take to become a Master Naturalist?
Initial requirements to become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist and member of the Big Country Chapter:
- 40 hours of basic training (including field studies)
- 40 hours minimum of volunteer service on approved projects in the first year of the start of basic training (Note: you must attend at least one training class before beginning volunteer work.)
- 8 hours minimum of approved advanced training in the first year of the start of the training Session
- $140 application fee (includes one copy of Texas Master Naturalist, a 760-page reference manual edited by Michelle M. Haggerty and Mary Pearl Meuth) and annual background check
Annual requirements to maintain active, certified status in the Big Country Chapter are:
- 40 hours minimum of volunteer service on approved projects
- 8 hours of approved advanced training
- $35 annual dues