Once you’ve familiarized yourself with who we are and what we do, you should also understand the commitments and requirements to be sure the program and the Central Texas Chapter is a good fit for you. The first major commitment to Becoming a Master Naturalist is to complete the initial Volunteer Training Course. The Central Texas Chapter offers the course once each year typically starting in March and running about 12 weeks. Please review the Applicant Requirements, sample applications and other steps below. While the 2024 class is currently closed for new applications, there are still ways to learn more and start participating right now. You can start by coming to any of our monthly meetings. Our last and next meeting highlights are always showcased on the Home Page!
We will start accepting applications for the 2025 class next January.
Applicant Requirements
- Membership in the Texas Master Naturalists is open to qualifying individuals regardless of race, age (must be 18 years of age or older when class begins), gender, religion, disability, or national origin.
- For our Central Texas Chapter applicants should reside in Bell or one of the nearby counties.
- All Texas Master Naturalists must pass an annual background check that is initiated and paid for by Texas Parks and Wildlife.
- Trainees will need reliable access to a computer with Internet and some basic computer skills to navigate our online system and for our chapter communications.
- Trainees must learn and use the Texas Parks and Wildlife Volunteer Management System (VMS), an online tool, to report volunteer and training hours. VMS reports up to a central location for the State of Texas as part of the grant requirements for the Texas Master Naturalist Program. Instruction on the use of VMS is provided in the training course sessions.
Typical Training Course Schedule
- The Volunteer Training Course typically begins in mid-March and runs about 12 weeks into June with 40+ hours of training.
- Classes and field trips are typically on Tuesdays, along with one or two Saturday field trips.
- Here’s the 2024 Volunteer Training Course Schedule as an example of what we do.
- Our graduation ceremony is held at our first chapter meeting after the last training class.
Final Steps to Becoming a Master Naturalist
- You will submit a Volunteer Training Course Chapter Application (Sample). Since all Texas Master Naturalist training is regional and ecosystem-based, our Course is only available to those who reside in Bell or a nearby county.
- This typically is followed by a phone call from our chapter registrar to go over details and answer any questions.
- You will have to pay a one-time training fee of ~ $150.00.
- You must also register as a volunteer with our sponsoring agency, Texas Parks and Wildlife.
- You are now ready to start and complete the initial Volunteer Training Course.
- Finally, you become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist by providing at least 40 hours of Volunteer Service and completing at least 8 additional hours of Advanced Training by December 31 of the following year (2026).
Have more questions? Contact Zoe Rascoe, our Chapter Registrar.