Approved Online Courses

Earn your Heartwood advanced training hours through online learning courses and modules!

Below are online courses that have been approved as Heartwood Master Naturalist Advanced Training opportunities.

If you identify an online course or training module that you believe should qualify for AT hours, please email the Advanced Training Director at [email protected] with course information.

Bat Conservation International: Become a Bat Ambassador

Cost: $0

Join a nationwide community of people helping Bat Conservation International spread the word about these fascinating creatures, the threats they face, and what we can do to help them. This self-paced course takes about five hours to complete and is designed for staff and volunteers from nature centers, zoos, public gardens, conservation organizations, and general backyard bat enthusiasts. You’ll learn everything you need to know to become a certified Bat Ambassador and will feel confident talking with friends, family, neighbors, and students about these intriguing and adorable keystone animals. After completing the course, you can sign up to learn extra skills to support bats, such as leading community Bat Walks or planting Bat Gardens (coming Summer 2027). You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about the newest bat science and to share your knowledge and experiences with fellow Bat Ambassadors in our Bat Ambassador Roost.

Please use the following VMS AT code: 
AT: Single Presentation (BCI- Bat Ambassador)

Private Land Stewardship Academy

Cost: $65

A complete, self-paced foundation in private land stewardship for early-career natural resource professionals, students, and new landowners. Learn how science, economics, and people shape decisions on private lands. Build essential skills in private land stewardship and the confidence to support landowners with clarity, respect, and the practical tools that accelerate conservation on working landscapes

Course Length: 12 Hours AT

Please use the following VMS AT code: 
AT: Single Presentation (AgriLife Learn- Private Land Stewardship Academy)

Digging Into Soil Properties (Intro, Physical, Chemical, and Biological)

Cost: $40

The Full Series Bundle: Digging Into Soil Properties includes all of our self-paced, online courses designed to give you a complete view of how soil works – from the soil surface down to microbes. Learn how soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties work together to support healthier plants, better water flow, and long-term sustainability. Our course has something for everyone, from beginners to skilled growers and agronomists.

Course Length: 4 Hours AT

Please use the following VMS AT code: 
AT: Single Presentation (AgriLife Learn- Diggin Into Soil Properties)

Introduction to Green Infrastructure

Cost: $0

Learn how green infrastructure can help manage stormwater, reduce flood damage, and increase property value. This course explores practical, nature-based ways to improve stormwater systems in cities, rural, and coastal areas.

Course Length: 1 Hour AT

Please use the following VMS AT code: 
AT: Single Presentation (AgriLife Learn- Intro to Green Infrastructure)

Aquaponics for Beginners

Cost: $20

This online course is the first in a series of three developed to introduce homeowners, DIY hobbyists, or future commercial farm operators to the world of aquaponics. You will become familiar with the general concept of aquaponics, the different types of aquaponic systems, what you will need to get started, and what you can grow. Most importantly, this course is designed to get you excited about starting your own aquaponics system!

Course Length: 2 Hours AT

Please use the following AT code: 
VMS:  AT: Single Presentation (AgriLife Learn- Aquaponics for Beginners)

Cost: $20

This course is the second in a series of three developed to introduce homeowners, hobbyists, or future commercial operators to the world of aquaponics. This course will provide a more detailed look at deep water culture, flood and drain, and commercial system designs. This course also features a tour of the instructor’s very own aquaponic system and its components.

Course Length: 6 Hours AT

Please use the following AT code: 
VMS:  AT: Single Presentation (AgriLife Learn- Aquaponics: System Design)

Water Law

Cost: $20

This course is a part of the larger Owning Your Piece of Texas course and it discusses Texas water law. Without question, this has been and will continue to be one of the most critical issues facing Texas landowners. This course will focus on the different legal schemes applicable to groundwater and surface water in Texas. Additionally, we will discuss the location and role of Groundwater Conservation Districts and discuss various key cases impacting Texas water law.

Course Length: 0.75 Hours

Please use the following AT code: 
VMS:  AT: Single Presentation (AgriLife Learn- Water Law)

Texas Riparian and Stream Ecosystem Training

Cost: $0

This online course will inform participants about riparian and watershed processes, the benefits that healthy riparian areas provide, and the tools that prevent and/or resolve degradation and improve water quality. Participants will be educated on the importance of riparian protection activities. At the conclusion of the training, participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Course Length: 7 Hours AT

Please use the following AT code: 
VMS:  AT: Single Presentation (AgriLife Learn- Texas Riparian and Stream Ecosystem Training)

Prescribed Burn School

Cost: Varies

Prescribed Burn School is a self-guided online course focusing on fire behavior, techniques, and safety, making you eligible for the CIPBM exam. This online, self-paced course provides you with the knowledge and confidence needed to use fire as a safe land management tool. After course completion you will be eligible to schedule your official exam and field component to
apply to become a Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager (CIPBM) from the Texas Department of Agriculture. Enroll today!

Course Length: 24 Hours AT

Please use the following AT code: 
VMS:  AT: Single Presentation (AgriLife Learn- Prescribed Burn School)

Forest Literacy: Understanding the Values of Trees, Forests, and Sustainability

Cost: $0

Learn forest basics in 2 hours! Developed in partnership with Project Learning Tree® (PLT®), Texas A&M Forest Service has launched the first-of-its-kind, self-paced online course that provides a clear and engaging introduction to forest ecosystems, their
management, and conservation. Understand the big picture and why it matters. Enroll today!

Course Length: 2 Hours AT

Please use the following AT code: 
VMS:  AT: Single Presentation (AgriLife Learn- Forest Literacy)

Applied Plant Conservation Course

Cost: $0

The Center for Plant Conservation’s Applied Plant Conservation Course is a free professional development training designed to educate our botanical workforce in the best practices of rare plant stewardship and conservation. 

Bringing the CPC Best Plant Conservation Practices to Support Species Survival in the Wild to life, the course serves as an engaging, self-paced learning tool for anyone working with rare and native plants at any stage in their career. Participants will learn from leading experts in the field of plant conservation through dynamic video lectures, real-world case studies, animated lessons, and more.

Please use the following AT code:
AT: Single Presentation (CPC- Module # – Module Name)

Module I: Introduction to Rare Plant Conservation

This introductory module explores the vital importance of rare plant conservation. Learn how plant diversity supports ecosystem function and human well-being, and examine the many threats driving plant extinction. Topics include the differences between native plants and weeds, natural causes of rarity, legal protections, conservation status rankings, rare plant ecology, and the stewardship of rare species on public lands.

Module II: Ensuring the Conservation of Rare Plant Genetic Diversity

This module takes an in-depth look at the role of genetic diversity in rare plant conservation. Explore why genetic variation matters, how it’s measured, and what it reveals about population structure. Learn how genetics guide the management of conservation collections and inform decision-making for land stewardship and species recovery.

Module III: Where Rare Plants Live: Now and In the Future

Where do rare plants live — and where could they thrive in the future? This module introduces species distribution and ecological niche modeling as tools to understand habitat suitability and guide conservation planning. Learn how to interpret these models and apply them to managing and restoring habitats that support rare species.

Module IV: Assessing Wild Plant Populations

Learn how to evaluate rare plant populations in the wild through field surveys, monitoring techniques, and population modeling. This module introduces key demographic tools used to assess population trends and inform management decisions. It also highlights the importance of conservation ethics when working in rare plant habitats.

Module V: Rare Plant Reintroductions

This module provides a comprehensive look at planning and implementing rare plant reintroductions. Learn how to select appropriate sites, source genetically appropriate material, and factor in climate change and horticultural best practices. The module also covers how to define success, evaluate outcomes, and avoid common pitfalls in reintroduction and mitigation efforts.

Module VI: Collecting Seeds for Conservation Collections in Long-term Seed Banks

Explore the science and strategy behind building effective conservation-quality seed collections. This module explores how to plan and execute field collections, clean and process seeds for orthodox storage, and follow best practices for managing a conservation seed bank. Special topics include germination trials, managing small or sensitive collections, and techniques for working with cacti, agaves, and yuccas.

Module VII: Conservation of Exceptional Species

This module introduces the tools and techniques used to conserve exceptional species—plants with seeds that cannot be conserved using conventional seed banking methods. Topics include identifying exceptional species, tissue culture and cryopreservation protocols, managing field genebanks, and the skills and equipment required for these advanced conservation strategies.

Module VIII: Propagation and Horticulture of Rare Plants

This module introduces core principles and practical techniques for propagating rare plants to support conservation goals. Learn about essential record keeping and resources, facilities and tools, and propagation methods using seeds, cuttings, and more. Special topics include: strategies for working with challenging plant groups like orchids, oaks, ferns, alpine species, and cycads.

Module IX: Tools and Partnerships

The final module of the course introduces participants to innovative tools, platforms, and partnerships that support ongoing engagement in rare plant conservation. Explore CPC-developed resources like the Rare Plant Academy, Seed Targeting Modules, and other database tools designed to foster collaboration across the network. This module encourages continued learning, connection, and contribution to the shared mission of saving rare plants from extinction.