Advanced Training (AT) provides Texas Master Naturalists an opportunity to focus on specific topics that interest them and to expand their knowledge base and skills in those chosen areas. Requiring at least 8 hours of AT each year for recertification promotes continued learning and development.
Criteria for Advanced Training
Advanced Training must meet the following criteria:
- Promote continued learning and the development of naturalist skills
- Provide the knowledge and skills required for a particular volunteer opportunity
- Allow Master Naturalists focus on specific areas of interest
- Build on the core curriculum provided by the Chapter’s training class (Note: Advanced Training on any topic covered in the class must provide more in-depth material or a different perspective)
- Apply to Texas and its natural resource management issues
Advanced Training Examples:
| Unacceptable | Better | Best |
| A lecture on astronomy and its relationship to astrology (Why: not about natural resources) | A lecture on astronomy and how the moon and sun affect the habitat of animals and plants | A lecture on how to reduce light pollution and the effects that will have on plants and animals |
| Attending a class on the habitat of animals in Alaska (Why: not about Texas) | Attending a workshop regarding Texas ecoregions | Attending a workshop regarding the Texas ecoregion where you volunteer |
| Watching a National Geographic TV show about southwest U.S. ecology (Why: no interaction with instructor) | Participating in a live webinar with instructor and participant Q&A about local ecology specific to management of the resources | |
| Attending a session at the TMN Annual Meeting to learn about the events and opportunities occurring throughout Texas | Attending a session at the TMN Annual Meeting that allows you to put what you learned into practice at your local level | |
| Taking a course on ornamentals and vegetable gardening in Texas (Why: not about natural resources) | Taking a course on pollinator plants of Texas and their benefits for the garden | Taking a course on native pollinator plants for your ecosystem and how to plant them and what wildlife they benefit |
**Watching an educational TV program, movie or video on a naturalist subject does not count as Advanced Training except when viewed during the course of an approved lecture or training program.
Approving for Advanced Training
Training that meets the above criteria and is sponsored by the Chapter, its sponsors, its partners (see Partners), or by the State Program or its sponsors (Texas AgriLife Extension and Texas Parks and Wildlife), is approved for Advanced Training hours.
Any other training must be pre-approved by the Advanced Training Director. You must submit an Advanced Training Pre-approval Form via email. Allow adequate time for the form to be processed.
Finding available opportunities
The Chapter works hard to publicize Advanced Training opportunities, most of which appear on the calendar that forms an integral part of this website. You’ll also receive emails from the Chapter providing more information about opportunities; fliers are provided at Chapter meetings.
Below are some recurring advanced training opportunities:
Heritage Book Study Group
- Meeting the first Monday of every month via ZOOM. Contact Cheryl Barajas for more information. The current book selection can be found in the Midden or here. Volunteers can obtain 2 hours of AT for participating.
Digital Photography
- Meets the second Wednesday of each quarter from 9am -11am via ZOOM. Contact Scott Buckel or Chris Anastas for more information. Attendees can obtain 2 hours of AT for participating.
TMN Tuesdays
- Members may earn AT credits for watching current year TMN Tuesdays, either live or recorded. Refer to the state site for the link to the program here
Non-GBAC Programs
Click the button below for other Non-GBAC programs for AT opportunities. Please contact the Advanced Training Director for any question as these may require pre-approval before participating. Utilize your best judgement before participating in any of these to ensure that they meet all of the above criteria for approvals.
More Information
To answer any questions on Advanced Training, please contact our Advanced Training Director.