Applications for the 2026 Initial Training Program will open April 6, 2026.
Why become a Texas Master Naturalist?
The Texas Master Naturalist program promotes greater understanding and appreciation of the natural world and, through its members, provides volunteer resources on many projects ranging from conservation to education. Whether assisting in bird surveys, maintaining trails, helping operate parks, or teaching future generations about sustainability, Master Naturalists play an important role in the management of the natural resources and natural areas within their communities.
The Texas Master Naturalist program seeks to develop well-informed members who learn from and collaborate with experts, state agencies, and other fellow naturalists to develop and lead various habitat restoration projects, educational programs, and citizen science initiatives in their communities. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose enhances the volunteer experience, making it both rewarding and impactful.
How do I become a Texas Master Naturalist?
Certification as a Texas Master Naturalist in the Elm Fork Chapter involves three steps:
- Graduation from the Initial Training Program;
- Completion of a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service on Chapter-approved projects; and,
- Accrual of at least 8 hours of Advanced Training (AT).
Please note that volunteer service hours and AT hours must be completed within one year of starting the Initial Training Program.
Initial Training Program
The Initial Training Program consists of at least 60 hours of instruction offered over a twelve-week period and is comprised of both classroom lectures and field study experiences. It includes presentations by biologists, geologists, naturalists, and other experts from local, state, and federal agencies and universities. Students gain basic knowledge and expertise in native plants, trees, wildlife, water resources, geology and soil, ethics, and land stewardship. Classroom learning is further enhanced through field study experiences at various local natural areas.
Specific details on classroom topics and field study experiences are available in the 2025 Class Schedule. The 2026 Class Schedule will be posted as soon as details are finalized.
Volunteer Service
The mission of the Texas Master Naturalist program is to develop a corps of well-informed members dedicated to serving their community. Our members provide education and outreach, and work on a variety of projects that help preserve, restore, and protect local parks, nature areas, and natural resources. The Texas Master Naturalist program fosters a strong connection to nature, allowing our members to experience Texas’ rich biodiversity firsthand while contributing to its preservation for future generations.
Initial certification as a member requires a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service on Chapter-approved projects. This service must be completed within one year of starting the Initial Training Program. There are many chapter-approved projects, located across our three-county area, that appeal to a variety of individual interests and activity levels.
Advanced Training (AT)
Advanced Training (AT) enables all our members—as well as students in the Initial Training Program—to continually increase their knowledge and improve their skills. It includes lectures on various nature topics but is periodically offered via field trips to local natural areas and through hands-on instruction. It is also available at almost every monthly chapter meeting and through recorded webinars.
Initial certification as a member requires the completion of 8 hours of AT within one year of starting the Initial Training Program.
When is Initial Training offered?
The 2026 Initial Training Program will run from August 11 through October 27. It consists of 12 classroom sessions that are held weekly on Tuesday mornings and are typically 3.5 hours in length (9:00 am – 12:30 pm). Classes will be held at Beulah Acres – Global Spheres Center. There will be 4 Field Trips on select Saturdays (9:00 am – 12:30 pm) with dates and locations to follow. A preliminary class schedule with times and locations will be posted here. The schedule also indicate attendance requirements for this class.
How do I register for the 2026 Initial Training Program?
We will accept applications for the 2026 Initial Training Program from April 6 to April 24.
Please note that we typically receive many more applicants for our training program than we can accept. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by the Initial Training Committee with interviews to follow.
Is there a fee for the Initial Training Program?
The fee for the Initial Training Program is $150. It covers your textbook, supplies, enrichment materials, and the Annual Membership dues for 2027.
Are there other requirements?
In addition to completing the application and participating in an interview with the Initial Training Committee, to be considered for acceptance into the Initial Training Program, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older; and,
- Agree to a Criminal Background History Check. The criminal history, as received from reporting agencies, may include arrest and conviction data, as well as plea bargains and deferred adjudications and delinquent conduct committed as a juvenile. This information will be used to determine your eligibility for the program.
If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
Attending Monthly Chapter Meetings is a great way to learn about
our members and projects!