Our Mission

“To develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.”

Our Organization

The Texas Master Naturalist™ volunteer program is coordinated by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and supported by a variety of local organizations. Volunteers receive a minimum of 40 hours of in-depth training in wildlife and natural resource management customized to focus on local ecosystems. In return, volunteers provide at least 40 hours of service in the form of community education and demonstration projects, while pursuing a minimum of 8 hours of advanced training in areas of special interest.

The Texas Master Naturalist™ curriculum is developed by experts and provides a standardized base of knowledge and skills for all volunteers across the state. Training is provided by educators and specialists from universities, agencies, nature centers’ museums, and other organizations who donate their services.

The Texas Master Naturalist program:

• Increases volunteer capacity and leadership in local communities,
• Enhances public awareness of local ecosystems and natural resources.
• Provides Texas rapidly growing urban populations with increased understanding of conservation and enhancement of natural resources in and near their-urban environments.
• Increases educational opportunities for local residents of all ages, through instruction, tours, exhibits, demonstration projects, and other means.
• Focuses the considerable resources of state and local agencies and organizations to create a high-quality educational program directed towards building self-sufficiency within the community.