The Gideon Lincecum Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program has grown from a small group of passionate conservation volunteers into a dynamic, multi-county community dedicated to protecting and interpreting the natural heritage of the central Texas region. Rooted in hands-on learning, service, and public engagement, the chapter has fostered partnerships with local schools, parks, and land managers while cultivating knowledgeable stewards of native ecosystems.
What follows is a look at key moments that have shaped the chapter’s evolution, accomplishments, and enduring commitment to environmental education and land stewardship.
Honoring 20 Years of Dedicated Members
Click on linked names below to read interviews with some of our long-term members.
- 2006: Dave Redden and Jim and Beverly Weatherly
- 2007: Debbie Copeland and Gene Luhn
- 2008: Judith Deaton, Daniel Lewis, Cindy Rodibaugh, Dottie Schoeneburg, and Charlotte von Rosenburg
- 2009: Linda Warbuton
- 2010: Carol Daniels, Lemae Higgs, and Tom Yates
More long-time member interviews coming soon!
Texas Master Naturalist Gideon Lincecum Chapter Timeline
First Master Naturalist Class
The first class had 12 students from the counties of Washington, Austin, and Colorado and the first topic they studied was pond ecology. The class met monthly until April 1, 2006.
Early volunteer service projects included outdoor education for the Brenham school district’s 5th and 6th graders; assisting with local schools summer camps; clearing trails and providing interpretive staff at the December Festival of Lights at Monument Hill (La Grange); and working with a Washington County biologist to distribute ball clover seed.
2005 By the Numbers
In 2005, 9 chapter members recorded 595.25 volunteer hours and 171 advanced training hours.
GLC’s Second Class
Dave Redden facilitated the second Gideon Lincecum Chapter training classes, which started in February. Cost for the 2005 and 2006 training classes was $125 per person.
GLC’s First Graduation Ceremony
Both the first and the second classes graduated together.
Fayette County
In late 2006, Fayette County was added to the GLC coverage area.
2006 By the Numbers
• In 2006, chapter members reported 1574 volunteer hours and 480 AT hours
• Dave Redden was the first to reach a milestone award, earning both the 250 and 500 hour awards in 2006
• 2006 notable members include Belinda Weatherly and Jim Weatherly
2007 GLC Classes
Yes, you read that correctly – classes, plural. GLC had become so popular that two classes were offered in 2007 – one in the spring, and one in the fall.
The 2007 spring class met at Brenham Presbyterian Church, starting with 16 trainees, 11 of which completed their 40 hours of training.
Growing Numbers
At this time, our roster shows 48 TMN GLC Members.
2007 Fall Class
Training was held in La Grange, with 8 trainees completing their 40 hours of training and graduating.
Officially Recognized as a Charity Organization
GLC became a 501(c)(3) organization with a retroactive effective date of October 15, 2006.
2007 By the Numbers
• 1919 volunteer hours and 1185 AT hours were logged by members
• The 2007 Annual report listed projects including Brenham ISD Outdoor Classroom, La Grange Summer Camp for underprivileged kids, Indian Creek Nature Area behind the Burton Cotton Gin
• 2007 notable members include Debbie Copeland and Gene Luhn
More Chapter Expansion
In 2008, Lee County was added to the GLC roster, rounding out our five county service area that continues today.
Winedale
In 2008, the Windale Historical Complex became a partner with GLC, providing spaces for building a pollinator garden as well as training classes. This partnership continues today.
Large 2008 Class
The 2008 Training class was held in the spring at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Burton, with Jim and Belinda Weatherly coordinating. The class had 25 trainees, of which 23 completed 40 hours of training.
Graduation
The 2008 Spring TMN class graduated.
2008 By the Numbers
• Our chapter completed 3269 volunteer hours, and 667 advanced training hours, with 32 of our 77 members reporting those hours.
• 2008 Notable Members are Judy Deaton, Daniel Lewis, Cindy Roibaugh, Dottie Schoenburg, Charlotte von Rosenburg
2009 Training Class
The 2009 Training class was held from February 7th to May 4th at the Winedale Historical Complex.
2009 Graduation
On this date, 22 out of our original class of 24 completed training and graduated. One of the graduates, Linda Warbuton, is still a member today.
2009 Chapter Officers
• President Dave Redden
• VP Cindy Rodibaugh
• Secretary Monterrey White
• Treasurer Larry Hilgers
2009 Volunteer Project List
• Native prairie projects
• Bats
• Outdoor Classroom (Brenham ISD)
• Brenham Elementary Outdoor Learning
• Wildlife Habitat Evaluation – Brenham 4H
• Indian Creek Nature Center – Burton
• Curly Q Refuge
• Winedale Invasive Species Clearing
• City of La Grange STRIDES Nature Area
2009 By the Numbers
• 3,492 volunteer hours
• 916 advanced training hours
2010 Training Class
The next training class was also located at the Winedale Historical Complex, with 24 trainees completing training. Members still with us today are notable members: Carol Daniels, Lemae Higgs, and Tom Yates.
2010 Service Projects
• Chapter members participated in 5 prescribed fires
• Created 3 miles of trails for Lutherhill Camp near La Grange
• Participated in 28 outreach/education events taught by chapter Members that reached 3,011 community members!!!
2010 By the Numbers
• 4174 volunteer hours
• 993 advanced training hours
• 105 Members
• 17 members initially certified and 28 recertified, earning the wood duck pin
• 7 chapter members reached their 250 hour milestone and one member reached the 1,000 hour milestone.