Training to Become a Texas Master Naturalist
If native plants and animals of the Texas Hill Country fascinate you, you want to learn more about the geology of the Llano Uplift area, want to share your knowledge and enthusiasm for nature and the out-of-doors with others, then you may want to consider applying to be a Texas Master Naturalist.
To become a Texas Master Naturalist, you must complete a training program, consisting of a minimum of 40 hours of classroom training and field work covering a wide range of topics, including: ecological concepts, ecosystems management, riparian systems, geology of the Hill Country, water issues, ornithology, ichthyology, entomology, herpetology, rangeland management, and plant, grasses, and tree identification. To become a certified Texas Master Naturalist, you must complete 8 hours of approved advanced training and 40 hours of approved volunteer service within one year after completing the training program. Thereafter, to maintain your certification, you must complete annually another 8 hours of approved advanced training and 40 hours of approved volunteer service.
HLMN members or specialists from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Texas Forest Service teach the classes. The classes will be held in a variety of locations, including the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin, the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, the Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery, and Inks Lake State Park. There are both “classroom” and “field” components for the classes.