The Texas Master Naturalist Program’s mission is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas. Our chapter proudly serves Denton, Cooke and Wise counties.
If you’d like to learn more about educational opportunities and our chapter, we invite you to subscribe to our monthly email communication.
The Texas Master Naturalist program is a partnership between the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and other local partners.
Upcoming Events
Our Next Chapter Meeting
September 17, 2026
Denton County Administrative Courthouse (DCAC) – 3rd Floor Conference Room
1 Courthouse Drive, Denton, TX
Meet and greet at 9:00 am, meeting from 9:30 am through about 12:00 pm.
Hidden Partners: The Role of Fungi in Plant Growth
This presentation will explore the symbiotic relationship between plants and fungi. We will look at how this relationship was created and how both sides benefit. We will also explore what that means to us, as humans, living on planet Earth.
Bob Richie
Urban Forager
TMN – North Texas Chapter
Bob Richie is a Dallas native who has raised almost every insect, mammal, reptile, plant and fungus that can be kept legally, and some that cannot. He likes birds, bugs, plants, fish, fungus, herps, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fly fishing, anthropology, archaeology and more. An amateur naturalist from an early age, Bob has spent much of his life outdoors.
As an urban forager, Bob teaches classes about edible and medicinal native plants and regularly appears on spring schedules at local nature preserves, parks and environmental centers.
Bob is a certified Texas Master Naturalist, a past president of the Trinity Valley Beekeepers Association, and a past board member of the North Texas Mycological Association. He is the father of two grown children, an avid bicycle rider and commuter, and a registered yoga instructor.
Applications for the
2026 Initial Training Class are closed.
Sorry we missed you.
Please check the Texas Master Naturalist Program website for other local Chapter Training opportunities.
Our Community Services
FREE NATURE EDUCATION and LAND MANAGEMENT GUIDANCE!
Adult education is provided through our Speakers Bureau. Youth education is provided through the Science with Attitude (SWAt) program. We also provide technical guidance for small acreage landowners. Select a topic below for more information.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
Margaret meade
Contribute to Citizen Science
Each year during fall and spring migrations, nearly two billion birds travel through Texas navigating with the night sky in one of the planet’s great wildlife spectacles.
However, as they pass over big cities on their way, they can become disoriented by bright artificial lights and skyglow, often causing them to collide with buildings or windows.
We encourage everyone to turn off non-essential lights at night from 11 pm – 6 am during the full fall and spring migration periods, and where conflicts apply, prioritize lights out during the critical peak migration periods.
LIGHTS OUT, TEXAS!
Providing Safe Passage for
Nocturnal Migrants
Volunteering has many benefits, including opportunities to share your talents, learn new skills, make an impact on your community, and reduce stress.
Not a Texas Master Naturalist, but want to volunteer?View volunteer opportunities in your area!
Our Partners and Affiliates
Texas Parks and Wildlife
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Carrollton Parks and Recreation
Denton County Master Gardeners Association
Denton Parks and Recreation
Friends of Furneaux Creek Nature Trail
Friends of LLELA
Keep Denton Beautiful
Keep Flower Mound Beautiful
Keep Trophy Club Wild
Lewisville Parks and Recreation
Native Plant Society of Texas – Trinity Forks
Native Prairies Association of Texas
Texas Conservation Alliance
Texas Nature Conservancy
The Flower Mound Foundation
Support TMN-EFC
Kroger Community Rewards program supports your favorite charity through the Kroger reward card. Select the link above to discover how to add Elm Fork Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists Inc to your card.