Texas Master Naturalists are dedicated to the conservation, preservation, and restoration of our natural resources, and promoting ecological education for all. Upon completing our comprehensive training program, Texas 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 by becoming a certified Texas Master Naturalist, you must complete our basic training program on the region’s natural features and the impact that people have on nature. Our training program runs from February through April/May of each year with an average of 32 trainees. We draw on the expertise of regional scientists and naturalists to guide us.
In addition to completing our basic training program, you must perform a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service to the community and accrue 8 hours of advanced training. Advanced training enables Texas Master Naturalists to gain additional knowledge or develop 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, wild-scape development, and trail planning, among many others.