How do I become a member? Start with learning!
The pathway to membership in the Bois d’Arc Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist, starts with an Initial Training Course. This course is a broad overview designed to start you on a lifetime journey of learning and service as a Texas Master Naturalist.
The Initial Training Course for 2026 will begin in October, 2026, with a 3-week mini-semester followed by a 6-week semester beginning in April of 2027. The course combines weekly classroom sessions and field trips to explore the outdoors. These classes will be held on Saturday from 9 am to 1:30 pm. Monthly Zoom sessions (a 1 hour-class in the evening on the second Tuesday of each month, except December) will help keep us connected between the semesters. This course provides 40 hours of basic instruction on a wide variety of subjects. You may begin accumulating both advanced training and volunteer service hours to work toward the Certified Master Naturalist level as soon as you begin the course.
Training session dates and times are listed below.
| Semester | Date | Time | Session Format |
| Fall | October 10, 2026 | 9:00 am to 1:30 pm | Classroom |
| Fall | October 17, 2026 | 9:00 am to 1:30 pm | Classroom |
| Fall | October 24, 2026 | 9:00 am to 1:30 pm | Classroom |
| Winter | November 10, 2026 | 6:30 to 7:30 pm | Zoom |
| Winter | January 12 , 2027 | 6:30 to 7:30 pm | Zoom |
| Winter | February 9, 2027 | 6:30 to 7:30 pm | Zoom |
| Winter | March 9, 2027 | 6:30 to 7:30 pm | Zoom |
| Spring | April 3, 2027 | 9:00 am to 1:30 pm | Classroom |
| Spring | April 10, 2027 | 9:00 am to 1:30 pm | Field Trip |
| Spring | April 17, 2027 | 9:00 am to 1:30 pm | Classroom |
| Spring | April 24, 2027 | 9:00 am to 1:30 pm | Field Trip |
| Spring | May 1, 2027 | 9:00 am to 1:30 pm | Field Trip |
| Spring | May 8, 2027 | 9:00 am to 1:30 pm | Classroom |
The cost for the course is $100, payable at the time of registration. The cost includes the textbook and all course materials, along with payment of dues through 2027. If two people in the same household share a book, the cost for the course is $165, which includes one textbook, class materials and dues through 2027 for both.
For answers to questions or to receive more information on this course, please contact the chapter’s Initial Training Director at [email protected].
To enroll in the course, download the application and return it with your payment by October 1, 2026. Space is limited, so don’t delay!