What does it take to be a Texas Master Naturalist?
Texas Master Naturalists not only get their feet wet and their hands dirty, but while doing so they spend time in a natural setting. Members learn about different plant and animal species, and maybe even find something new!
To become a Texas Master Naturalist, each volunteer:
- Master Naturalist Trainees must successfully complete an approved training program consisting of combined field and classroom instruction though a Texas Master Naturalist Chapter.
- After completing the initial training, the candidate donates at least 40 hours of volunteer service back to the state and community. Trainees can complete their 40 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of advanced training within a year after completion of their initial training.
- In subsequent years, the candidate must complete another 8 hours of advanced training and donate 40 hours of volunteer service to maintain their certification (or to re-certify) as a Texas Master Naturalist.
Anyone who lives in Texas and is over the age of 18 can apply!
Galveston Bay Area Master Naturalist brochure
Galveston Bay Area Training Class information
We offer our initial training each year beginning in February, continuing for 11 weeks, and wrapping up at the end of April/early May.
In odd-numbered years our practice is to hold daytime classes on Thursdays from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. Field activities are built into these classes. Classes take place at numerous locations – Texas A&M Agrilife Extension office in LaMarque, Armand Bayou Nature Center, Galveston Island State Park, High Island, and TAMU-Galveston.
In even-numbered years our practice is to hold evening classes on Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. All the classes are at Texas A&M Agrilife Extension office in LaMarque. Field activities are scheduled on four Saturdays during the training window at the other locations listed in the paragraph above.
The current fee for training is $175 per person. That number is subject to change based on costs incurred.
In addition to this training, forty hours of approved volunteer service and eight hours of advanced training are required to be certified as a Texas Master Naturalist. We offer a lot of advanced training via zoom and there are numerous volunteer activities in our area.
If you are interested in our next training class, please register using the Register to Become a New Volunteer link below. We will add your name to our master list. You will receive an invitation in December to our meet and greet which is typically scheduled for January.
Register to Become a New Volunteer – If you are not already a Texas Master Naturalist, you may register to become one here**. You must search for and select a Master Naturalist opportunity (chapter) – our chapter is Galveston Bay Area. Put Galveston Bay Area in the “Search by Keyword” box and press the Search button, you will then be stepped through the registration forms.
**This does not commit you to anything, nor does it secure a spot in our training class, it will put you on our list of interested candidates.
Click here for more information regarding the Texas Master Naturalist program.