2027 Applications are now open!
If you are interested in attending the 2027 class, check back with us on Oct 1, 2026, to submit an application or contact [email protected] for more information.
The class will run from January 2027 to May 2027. Classes are held primarily in person on Sat mornings with a few weekday evening zooms. See the link below for an example schedule from our 2026 class.
Subscribe to our bulletin/newsletter for timely information about the upcoming/ongoing class.
Becoming a Master Naturalist
- A member-in-training receives the curriculum book after his/her application is accepted and the class fee is paid. Class fee is $175.
- A graduate receives a graduation certificate, Heartwood name tag, and logo shirt during the graduation ceremony.
- A certified Texas Master Naturalist receives the dragonfly pin.
| Hours Required to Graduate | Hours Required to Certify 1, 2* | Annual Hours Required to Re-certify 3* | |
| Initial Training Hours | 40+ | ||
| Volunteer Hours | >=40 | >=40 | |
| Advanced Training Hours | >= 8 | >= 8 |
*1 To be completed within 12 months from the start of class to become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist.
*2 You can complete these hours while you are a member-in-training, then graduate and certify at the same time!
*3 To be completed each calendar year to maintain certification as a Texas Master Naturalist.
Each year that a certified Texas Master Naturalist completes a minimum of 40 volunteer hours and a minimum of 8 Advanced Training hours, he or she will be re-certified and receive that year’s unique pin.
It is possible for a first-year certified Texas Master Naturalist, completing 80 hours of volunteer work and 16 hours of Advanced Training in that first year, to double certify and receive both the dragonfly pin and the unique year’s pin.
What does the Master Naturalist curriculum entail? The Training Schedule for 2026 can be found at this link.