What is the Texas Master Naturalist™ Program?
Tell me about the local chapter.
What are examples of projects the local chapter is doing?
How do I become a certified Texas Master Naturalist?
What are the costs associated with becoming a Texas Master Naturalist?
Describe the training program.
When and where is training held?
What is the Texas Master Naturalist Program?
The Texas Master Naturalist organization is a state-wide program designed to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers who provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLIFE Extension serve as sponsors for the program. There are presently 50 individual chapters statewide with a total of over 8,000 members volunteering over 3.7 million hours.
Green Tree Frog (Sidney VanLoh)
Tell me about the local chapter.
The local chapter is the Central Texas Master Naturalists (CTMN). We were formed as a new chapter in 2010 and presently have 55 active members, and serve the Bell County and surrounding area. We have a number of partner groups with whom we work, to name a few: Belton Parks and Recreation, Killeen Parks and Recreation, Keep Temple Beautiful, Keep Salado Beautiful, US Army Corps of Engineers. We often work with surrounding chapters both on service projects and in providing training to our members. CTMN members meet monthly on the second Tuesday of the month; meetings on odd-numbered months are for committee work and dissemination of information; on odd-numbered months we have an Advanced Training speaker; our meetings are open to the public. We provide Master Naturalist certification training to prospective new members in the Spring of each year.
What are examples of projects CTMN is doing?
Each chapter could provide a lengthy list of projects they have completed and those in progress. A few examples of Central Texas Chapter projects would include:
Working at the Gault Site
- Assist the Stream Team in monitoring local water quality in our streams
- Present an interpretive program at Chalk Ridge Falls Park
- Volunteer at Mother Neff State Park where we help develop and maintain nature trails
- Create a pocket wildflower prairie in your city park
- Assist in an Angler Education class
- Take part in a butterfly count at Salado or Fort Hood
- Write an article for our newsletter “The Tracker”
- Make a naturalist topical presentation to a community group
- Help with or organize a beautification project for a community park as is being done in Salado
- Lead a school class on an interpretive nature hike at Colorado Bend State Park
- Be a mentor to the new class
- Volunteer at one of our several public events (Home & Garden Show, Master Gardener Plant Sale, etc.)
- Conduct a “Flying Wild” or “Growing Up Wild” workshop at a school
- Assist in native plant rescue or seed gathering
For a more detailed list and explanation of current service projects, please visit the service projects page on this site.
How do I become a certified Master Naturalist?
Monarch Butterfly by Darla Menking
To become a certified Texas Master Naturalist a trainee must complete the following:
- Complete an organized training program sponsored by a Master Naturalist chapter that involves a minimum of 40 hours of instruction composed of both classroom and field experiences.
- Obtain a minimum of 8 hours of approved advanced training.
- Complete a minimum of 40 hours of chapter approved volunteer service.
- Record your service and AT hours in the VMS
- Agree to and pass a background check conducted by TPWD annually
- To retain certification in each subsequent year members must complete a minimum of 8 hours of advanced training and provide a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service in approved project activities.
What are the costs associated with becoming a Master Naturalist?
For 2018, the Central Texas Chapter Master Naturalist training fee is $150 per person. This includes the training materials, dues, a name badge, and other administrative costs. Once a member, the yearly dues are $24 to continue as a certified Master Naturalist.
Describe the training program.
Basic training consists of a minimum of 40 hours of instruction composed of classroom sessions and field trips. We involve local experts from the natural resource community as well as university professors, state and federal agency biologists and specialists and nature center staff members to serve as instructors. Although a state curriculum is the cornerstone of instruction, each chapter is encouraged to provide instruction relevant to the local ecological system and issues. Field trips are led by experts as well as certified Master Naturalists. Students and members have an opportunity to learn from and work along-side scientists, land stewards and other experts as they carry out the mission of the Master Naturalist program. Training topics include: mammals, ornithology, ichthyology, geology, soils, archaeology, ecosystems (range land, forests, and wetlands), weather and climate, entomology, amphibians and reptiles, classification and identification of plants, aquatic systems, and urban systems.
Herpetology at Waco Zoo
When and where is training held?
Training is held each spring: this year, orientation is March 20, classes begin March 27 and run through June 5. Classes are held on Tuesday (usually lasting from 8:30 or 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. or 4:00 p.m.) at various locations around Bell County. The locations are all within local easy driving distance and carpooling is available. The locations are subject to change each year as dictated by availability of facilities.
How much time is involved?
Beyond the initial certification requirement, minimum time requirements to retain certification are 8 hours of advanced training and 40 hours of approved volunteer service annually (January – December). Most Master Naturalists find the program so rewarding that it is not uncommon for members to devote many hours beyond the minimum requirements. Within the Texas Master Naturalist™ organization, there are service hour milestone awards for those who provide service beyond the minimum required hours.
For more information about any upcoming Master Naturalist classes or to obtain associated forms, please visit the New Class page.
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