Training for New Members

We are now ACCEPTING applications for our 2026 Master Naturalist training. 

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 one of these 17 counties: Taylor, Brown, Callahan, Coke, Coleman, Concho, Eastland, Fisher, Jones, Haskell, Knox, Nolan, Runnels, Shackelford, Stephens, Throckmorton, or Tom Green. You are eligible to apply.

Classes start Thursday, August 13th and end on Thursday, November 5th. We meet every Thursday from 6 pm until 9 pm and we also have 3 Saturday field sessions. Most classes are held at the Taylor County Extension office in Abilene but some classes are held at other locations. 

Please see the tentative SCHEDULE at the link below for a full list of dates and locations. 2026 Master Naturalist Training Tentative Schedule 

—->>> New this year! You may now apply ONLINE using this link: Click to apply ONLINE

—->>> OR You may DOWNLOAD an APPLICATION here and either e-mail, mail or bring it by our office. Click to DOWNLOAD the application

All information may be obtained on the last page of the 2026 applications.

APPLICATIONS DUE BY END OF DAY MONDAY, AUGUST 3RD, 2026.

If you have additional questions, please call our office at 325-672-6048 or e-mail Dawnyel Luckie at [email protected].

Be sure to stay informed of upcoming events and trainings by signing up for our newsletter.  Sign Me Up

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
  • $150 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

Frequently Asked Questions About the Training Class

  • Availability: Is there still space?
    • Our application process runs until August 3rd, at which time our committee reviews the applications. We will announce whether you’ve been added to the class on August 5th. It’s not based on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Experience Level: How much prior knowledge or experience is expected?
    • No experience is necessary. Just a love for nature, volunteer service and eagerness to learn. You are introduced to a wide variety of topics. Most members tend to focus one or two after the training but for the training, you have a brief overview and introduction to them all.
  • On a scale of 1 to 10, what level of familiarity would you recommend before starting?
    • No, nothing to familiarize yourself with ahead of the training.
  • Volunteer Service: The program mentions completing approved volunteer projects in the year. Is there a list of these approved programs to find those opportunities?
    • Yes, this is a volunteer program/organization. Our chapter (Big Country) does offer many opportunities and there are also other volunteer opportunities within the Texas Master Naturalist and Texas Parks and Wildlife community.
  • What is the cost of the program:
    • The cost is $350 and includes your Master Naturalist Handbook that is yours to keep.
  • Can I miss any classes?
    • Yes, you may miss up to 3 classes. The Saturday field session will count as 2 classes.
  • When are the classes and Saturday Field Sessions? .