Thank you for your interest! We are a volunteer organization. Founded in 2010, the Central Texas Chapter has members in Bell and surrounding counties and is one of 52 Texas Master Naturalist Chapters in Texas. The Central Texas members collectively provide nearly 5000 hours of volunteer service each year on a variety of projects.
We clear, build and maintain nature trails, lead hikes and provide activities for adults and children to learn about nature and conservation in the beautiful natural areas of Central Texas. We participate in events that allow us to teach people of all ages about birds, trees, prairies, plants, wildlife, water resources and a variety of habitats and ecosystems that we have learned to conserve and enjoy here in Central Texas. We organize and participate in Citizen Science projects where members observe and report data on animals, plants and even the night sky to state or national research organizations that track changes. We use our knowledge gained through training and continuing education to teach others in classroom settings and outdoor settings. And to ensure the sustainability of our own organization, our members apply their diverse talents in communications, technology support, creative arts, construction, fundraising, marketing and hospitality to help build a broader community of dedicated advocates of nature.
Once you have completed your initial Volunteer Training Course, you will be considered a Master Naturalist Pledge. The next step is to become a CERTIFIED Master Naturalist. To become a Certified Master Naturalist, and to maintain your certification status, you must complete the following annually:
- Pay your annual dues ($25)
- Provide at least 40 hours of approved volunteer service
- Complete at least 8 hours of advanced training
More than anything, being a Master Naturalist is supposed to be fun! We offer a wide variety of opportunities for both volunteer service and advanced training.
Have more questions? Contact Zoe Rascoe, our Chapter Registrar, and she will get back with you shortly.