If you’re here, you’re probably already a passionate student of nature. Our Central Texas Master Naturalist program provides some of the best training opportunities in the region and allows you to leverage that knowledge to help others. Our trained members serve as more “boots on the ground” for our sponsoring agencies, Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, by being well-informed volunteers providing education, outreach, and service related to the management and conservation of natural resources and areas within our communities. Trainees in our chapter receive research-based, scientific training in the classroom and in the field from recognized experts on wildlife and natural resource management.
As Texas Master Naturalists, we work to develop a firm understanding of natural sciences in the context of Texas ecological systems – for us it is the Blackland Prairie and Edwards Plateau. To become a Texas Master Naturalist Pledge, you must complete the 40+ hour state-approved Volunteer Training Course. The initial training course will build a strong foundational knowledge base and continued advanced training and hands-on experience expands your ability to share more with the community.
The following are some of the approximately 25 topics covered during the classes:
- Land Stewardship
- Archaeology
- Ecological Regions of Texas
- Geology
- Weather and Climate
- Native Prairies
- Texas Water Resources
- Native Plants
- Birds and Birding
- Soils
- Mammals and Reptiles
- Insects
- Forest Ecology
- Aquatic Ecology
- Urban Ecosystems
- and how to teach others to protect these resources…