Texas Master Naturalists are people who still like to play in the dirt and are willing to get their feet wet and their hands dirty. To become a Master Naturalist, one takes a training class of over 40 hours of expert training about almost every aspect of the natural world – soils, backyard habitats, prairies, rangeland management, forest ecology, birds, mammals, fish, insects, botany, climate, geology and archaeology.
Registration is now open for the Good Water Master Naturalist Spring Training Class. The class will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-9:30 p.m. Some classes and field trips will be on Saturdays. The first class is September 6. The last class will be December 13. Cost is $150 and includes the comprehensive and brand new Texas Master Naturalist Program manual as well as a one year membership to the Good Water Chapter. For couples who plan to share the manual, there is a discount for the second student. Click here for Online Registration. A calendar for the class will be posted in early August.
Former students comments on the Master Naturalist Training Class include:
“Classes are taught by world renowned academics and subject matter experts. Our fellow students’ diverse vocational and educational backgrounds added to the learning experience.”
Bruce Polikoff
“As a new Texas resident interested in all of the various aspects of the natural history of the region, as well as helping others appreciate what is here, this class has inspired me and given me the foundation to move forward, both in my own learning and in my ability to share my enthusiasm and interest more effectively with others. I have learned from the best, brightest, and most qualified specialists in a variety of fields, while making friends and developing relationships with like-minded students and already-certified master naturalist. The generosity with which the people who conduct the program share it with others inspires me to want to do the same!”
Martin Byhower
“I enjoyed the Master Naturalist training classes very much because of the level of the instructors, because of the range of the classes and because of the introduction of further training and volunteer opportunities that became available.”
Rana Sanders
“The Master Naturalist class was certainly an alarming eye opener in regard to being a good land steward! For me some memorable moments were being introduced to Aldo Leopold by Wayne Rhoden, the grave concern of water shortage in our near future from Gene Chisolm, and the final sermon from Dr. Barron Rector on the failures of society in regard to the land which brought back childhood church memories of feeling like the preacher was singling me out for my role in the catastrophe, my sins against the land.”
Mike Farley
“Good Water Chapter has an exceptional training course for those interested in our local wildlife and habitats. If one has a desire to learn about nature and lend a hand in its preservation, this is an excellent path to take. Knowledgeable guest lecturers and fun field trips add to a rewarding classroom experience. The spring class was the most enjoyable few months I’ve had since relocating to Texas.”
Cindy Graham
To complete the certification process, each volunteer completes 40 hours of service and an additional 8 hours of training. To maintain their certification each year, volunteers are encouraged to take their knowledge and volunteer for 40 hours and take 8 hours of additional training.