Junior Master Naturalist Program

2026-2027

Registration Link: https://txmn.org/goodwater/junior-master-naturalist-registration/

Registration opens on May 15 for Elementary Junior Master Naturalists (JMN) and Middle School/High School Junior Master Naturalists (JMN). Come join us!

The Junior Master Naturalists program focuses on getting participants outside, making observations, and experiencing the topics discussed in class.

The 2026-2027 theme for all ages is “Water Wonders.”

Program Start Date: September 3, 2026

2026-2027 Elementary Junior Master Naturalists
  • Elementary JMN is for Grade 3–5 students.
  • The elementary program is classroom style, hands-on activities combined with multiple field trips.
  • Elementary JMN begins on September 3, 2026.
  • There are nine (9) classroom sessions and seven (7) field trips for 2026-2027.
  • There will be a mix of classroom sessions and field trips.
  • Elementary JMN will have 1 1/2 hour sessions generally on the first and third Thursday evenings at 6:00 p.m. including monthly invites to the Good Water Master Naturalist seminar.
  • Classroom session will be held at the AgriLife Extension Building at 100 Wilco Way.
  • Some months will have one (1) class and one (1) field trip.

 Note: Participants for Elementary JMN will be encouraged to join the JMN iNaturalist project.

2026-2027 Middle School/High School Junior Master Naturalist Program
  • Middle/High School JMN is for Grade 6–12 students
  • The middle/high school program will have field sessions on Saturdays once per month.
Fees:
  • Elementary:  $51 Total ($25 JMN Registration, $25 4H Membership, and $1 iNaturalist youth set-up)
  • Middle/High School: $71 Total ($50 JMN Registration, $25 4H Membership and $1 iNaturalist youth set up)

The JMN registration fee may be paid through PayPal or a mailed check during registration. Registration is not complete until the fee is paid. Additional information will be sent in September for 4H fees and iNaturalist account set-up. Each participant will receive a Junior Master Naturalist t-shirt prior to field trips.

Registration Link: https://txmn.org/goodwater/junior-master-naturalist-registration/

Schedule for Elementary 3rd – 5th

DateType of MeetingTimeSubject
9/3/26Classroom6:00–7:30 pmWhy is Water Important/Water Cycle
9/19/26Field SessionTBABerry Springs – Aquifer
10/1/26Classroom6:00–7:30 pmWater Properties
10/17/26Field SessionTBAWater Treatment Plant
11/7/26Field SessionTBAFish Class/Fish Field Trip
12/10/26Classroom6:00–7:30 pmWetlands
1/7/27Classroom6:00–7:30 pmShorebirds Waterfowl
1/23/27Field SessionTBAHornsby Bend
2/4/27Classroom6:00–7:30 pmMarine Beach Animals
2/18/27Classroom6:00–7:30 pmWater Reptiles/Mammals
3/4/27Classroom6:00–7:30 pmEstuaries
3/27/27Field SessionTBAAquatic Invertebrates/Water Monitoring
4/1/27Classroom6:00–7:30 pmPuddles & Microsystems
4/17/27Field SessionTBARiparian Walk
5/6/27Classroom6:00–7:30 pmAmphibians
5/15/27Field SessionTBAAmphibian Field Trip Berry Springs

Middle School/High School 6th-12th

Our Middle School program will meet once a month on Saturday mornings for field trips.

Proposed Field Trips

  • Barton Springs Salamanders/Snorkeling
  • Glass Bottom Boats – San Marcos
  • Hornsby Bend Shorebirds/Water Treatment
  • Jacob’s Well/Karst Canyon Preserve
  • Westcave Preserve Grotto/Hamilton Pool
  • Fishing trip with Living Waters
  • Water testing with Stream Team – Garey Park (TBD)
  • Aquatic Habitats/Invertebrates at Tejas
  • Amphibians Berry Springs (TBD)
  • Hidden Springs Preserve (TBD)
  • Colorado Bend Waterfall/Springs