Registration for the 2021 Fall Class is now open.
To register online click here: GWMN Fall Training Class Online Application
To Register by mail, click here to print an application:
2021 Good Water Master Naturalist Fall Training Class Application
Registration deadline is September 5, 2021.
The Fall 2021 Training Class will begin on Tuesday, September 7 and will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-9:30 p.m. and will end Tuesday, December 14 with a few Saturday classes and field trips. Classes will be virtual with in person field trips.
The Fall Training Class Schedule will be posted in early August.
Click here to view the Google Version of the Training Calendar.
The Google version will be posted the week before class begins.
Program comes under the guidelines of the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the Agrilife Extension Texas A&M System.
What is the Texas Master Naturalist Program?
The Texas Master Naturalist program has three components:
- Training
- Volunteer Service Hours
- Advanced Training
How do I receive Texas Master Naturalist Certification?
During the first year of involvement with the Texas Master Naturalist Program, the participant is expected to complete a combination of 40 hours of hands-on classroom and field experience delivered by resource experts, professionals, and specialists designed to give an understanding of natural history and ecological processes influencing the local ecosystems.
The State guidelines require the participant to complete a minimum of 40 hours of classroom training, 40 hours of community volunteer service, and 8 hours of advanced training to complete the certification process.
After the initial certification is obtained, the graduate is encouraged to continue volunteer efforts through active membership in a local Master Naturalist Chapter.
To retain the certification as a Texas Master Naturalist, a requirement of 40 volunteer service hours and 8 hours of advanced training are required on an annual basis.
All participants are required to pass a background check through the Volunteer Management System of Texas Parks & Wildlife.
What will I study in the Texas Master Naturalist Program?
| Ecological Concepts | Geology and Soils | |
| Weather & Climate | Urban Systems | |
| Herpetology | Archeology | |
| Mammalogy | Ornithology | |
| Entomology | Ichthyology | |
| Ecological Regions of Texas | The Nature of Naming Plants | |
| Ecosystems Concepts & Management | Ecological Regions of Texas | |
| Wetland Ecology & Management | Rangeland Ecology & Management | |
| Aquatic Ecology & Management | Forest Ecology & Management | |
| Paleontology |
Our instructors are all recognized experts in their fields.
Training classes are typically held in the spring and fall of each year. Classes are one day per week. The spring class meets on Tuesday afternoons within a time frame of 1 to 5 pm. The fall class meets on Tuesday evenings within a time frame of 6 to 9:30 pm. Exceptions to the class agendas are field trips that are usually on Saturdays. There are eleven four-hour sessions in the spring and nineteen sessions in the fall, which includes field trips.
The class is limited to 30 people. A fee of $150.00 covers the cost of the comprehensive Texas Master Naturalist Program manual. The fee also applies to the admission of parks or facilities used for field trips and costs associated with class presentations. Additionally, the fee covers the cost of the State required criminal background check.
It is important to note that a few of the field trips are on a Saturday schedule.
The class fee also includes a one-year membership to the Good Water Master Naturalist Chapter of Williamson County.
What is expected of you as a Texas Master Naturalist student?
1. 100% attendance in the class and field trips. Each of these classes is unique and requires considerable effort to provide the expert training.
2. Completion of 40 hours of class/field trip activities, 40 hours of volunteer service hours, and 8 hours of advanced training for Texas Master Naturalist Certification.
3. Become an active member of the Good Water Master Naturalist Chapter.
4. Our general meetings are held the 4th Thursday of the month. While COVID-19 remains an issue, all chapter meetings will be virtual.
At the general meetings, advanced training opportunity is offered through nature presentations by outside speakers. Current volunteer service and advanced training opportunities are also presented.
Here is a link to the Frequently Asked Questions from our Chapter Management And Operating Protocols.
Contact: Wayne Rhoden