2027 Training Class Application

TMN TRAINING CLASS APPLICATION: Spring 2027

Our course follows the statewide curriculum with science-based instruction specific to the Texas Hill Country. To certify as a Texas Master Naturalist, you must complete the 12-week course, volunteer 40 hours on chapter-approved projects, and obtain 8 hours of advanced training.

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Email:*

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Mailing Address*

Street Address City State ZIP Code

Phone:*

Use the best number to contact you

County of Residence*

The Texas Hill Country Chapter includes the following counties: Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kimble, Kerr, Mason, Menard, Real, and San Saba

County of Residence continued…*

If “Other” is selected above, this indicates that you do not live wihin the Hill Country Chapter area. Please explain your interest in our chapter: Do you have property within our boundaries? Do you live right outside our boundaries? In which county(s) do you plan to volunteer?

How did you hear about the Texas Master Naturalist program (TMN) and the Hill Country Chapter? Check all that apply. Your answers will help us promote the TMN program.

Occupation*

If employed, or former occupation as applicable.

Memorable Experience:*

Please describe a memorable experience you had outdoors.

Member Organizations*

Please indicate organizations of which you are a member or for which you have volunteered time or participated during the past two years.

Skills:*

Please note your skills that would be beneficial to the Texas Master Naturalist program. Skills might include teaching, public speaking or writing, outdoor skills, physical labor skills, photography, event planning, computer or design, scientific knowledge, specific knowledge, and many more. What skills do you have that you want to share?

Areas of Interest:*

Choose all that apply.

What is your birthdate (Month Day, Year)*

We need this information to begin the process of setting you up in the State’s Volunteer Management System.

Volunteer Pledge

Our focus is volunteering in local communities, however the knowledge and experience you gain will benefit you and your property.

I understand that in exchange for training made possible through the Hill Country Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program, I will volunteer at least 40 hours of my time toward approved projects and attend 8 hours of approved Advanced Training within one year.

I understand that I will become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist when I complete the required classes, Advanced Training, and Volunteer hours. I also understand that to maintain certified status, I must complete 40 hours of Volunteer Service and 8 hours of Advanced Training each year thereafter.

I understand that in consideration of being accepted as a participant in the Texas Master Naturalist volunteer program, I hereby release, discharge, and agree to hold harmless the program and its sponsoring state agencies, their agents, employees, officers and successors, from and against the program and sponsoring state agencies, their successors, employees, or officers for all personal injuries (including death), known and unknown or damage to property caused by or arising out of activities performed under the Texas Master Naturalist program.

Texas Master Naturalist program state agency sponsors, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, require all volunteers undergo background screening. Volunteers will not be accepted and may not fulfill their duties until background screening has been conducted and approved.

Screening is required every three years. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension accepts previous screenings from certain entities; however, proof of screening must be provided.

I understand if I choose to provide volunteer services under the auspices of the Texas Master Naturalist program a prior background screening is required.

Declarations*

I will complete the course of study (40 hours classroom plus field trips)

I will complete 40 hours of Volunteer Service within 1 year

I will complete 8 hours of Advanced Training within 1 year

Texas Master Naturalist Code of Ethics

Each member, in striving to meet the mission, goals, and objectives of the Texas Master Naturalist™ Program, pledges to:
1. Subscribe to the highest standards of integrity and conduct.
2. Abide by federal, state, sponsoring agencies and local laws during program involvement.
3. Promote and support the statewide and local Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) Program.
4. Respect the state sponsors, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, their roles and expectations.
5. Disseminate information to promote understanding of and appreciation for the values of our natural resources.
6. Strive to increase knowledge and skills to advance as a TMN volunteer.
7. Promote competence as a TMN volunteer by supporting high standads of education, service, and performance.
8. Encourage the use of sound biological information in education and outreach and in management decisions and recommendations.
9. Support fair and uniform standards of service and treatment of those engaged in the TMN Program.
10. Know and follow established TMN Program protocols and policies.
11. Abide by the Program Bylaws.
12. Never use the TMN title, logos, certification, and trademarks for advocacy of any kind, personal endeavors and/or for profit.
13. Act as trustworthy and ethical stewards of the environment.
14. Never inappropriately disturb or harass wildlife. Never inappropriately remove anything from its natural state or area.
15. Have a commitment to safety at all times. –Updated October 2025

I have read and agree to Texas Master Naturalist Code of Ethics

Texas Master Naturalist Standards of Conduct

The Texas Master Naturalist™ Program’s mission is 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 for the State of Texas. Texas Master Naturalist Program volunteers shall at all times: 1. Uphold the commitment made to the Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) Program, the local chapter, and the state sponsoring agencies Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. 2. Commit to the training, volunteer service and advanced training requirements of the TMN Program. 3. Uphold the dignity and integrity of the TMN Program. Volunteers shall endeavor to avoid even the suspicion of dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or unprofessional demeanor. 4. Conduct themselves appropriately to context and setting at all times. 5. Abide by federal, state, sponsoring agencies and local laws while involved with and representing the Texas Master Naturalist Program and recognize that some violations outside of your TMN program activity could be grounds for dismissal. 6. Studiously avoid discrimination in any form 7. Be considerate and respect others and their points of view. 8. Keep accurate records of volunteer service, training, research, and impacts, and monthly (at a minimum) report these records in the Program’s Volunteer Management System (VMS) 9. Avoid performing service when such service is judged to be contrary to the Code of Ethics or detrimental to the well-being of the TMN Program and its sponsors, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service . 10. Provide maximum possible effort in the best interest of each client and/or volunteer project. 11. Be mindful of their responsibility to society and the TMN Program. 12. Avoid abuse of TMN Program authority, certification, or membership for personal satisfaction. 13. Advocacy, lobbying or promoting political issues while identifying as a TMN volunteer is strictly prohibited. 14. Cooperate fully with professionals and other Master Naturalist volunteers in the best interest of our natural resources. 15. Advertising or self-promotion of membership status for personal gain (financial or commercial), advocacy or in a manner detrimental to the TMN Program and its volunteers is prohibited. 16. Use of alcohol and controlled substances while performing service as a TMN volunteer is prohibited. Reporting for service while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance will result in termination from volunteer service. 17. Accept responsibility for decisions made and actions taken based on these decisions. –Updated October 2025*

The Texas Master Naturalist™ Program’s mission is 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 for the State of Texas. Texas Master Naturalist Program volunteers shall at all times:
1. Uphold the commitment made to the Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) Program, the local chapter, and the state sponsoring agencies Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
2. Commit to the training, volunteer service and advanced training requirements of the TMN Program.
3. Uphold the dignity and integrity of the TMN Program. Volunteers shall endeavor to avoid even the suspicion of dishonesty, fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, or unprofessional demeanor.
4. Conduct themselves appropriately to context and setting at all times.
5. Abide by federal, state, sponsoring agencies and local laws while involved with and representing the Texas Master Naturalist Program and recognize that some violations outside of your TMN program activity could be grounds for dismissal.
6. Studiously avoid discrimination in any form
7. Be considerate and respect others and their points of view.
8. Keep accurate records of volunteer service, training, research, and impacts, and monthly (at a minimum) report these records in the Program’s Volunteer Management System (VMS)
9. Avoid performing service when such service is judged to be contrary to the Code of Ethics or detrimental to the well-being of the TMN Program and its sponsors, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service .
10. Provide maximum possible effort in the best interest of each client and/or volunteer project.
11. Be mindful of their responsibility to society and the TMN Program.
12. Avoid abuse of TMN Program authority, certification, or membership for personal satisfaction.
13. Advocacy, lobbying or promoting political issues while identifying as a TMN volunteer is strictly prohibited.
14. Cooperate fully with professionals and other Master Naturalist volunteers in the best interest of our natural resources.
15. Advertising or self-promotion of membership status for personal gain (financial or commercial), advocacy or in a manner detrimental to the TMN Program and its volunteers is prohibited.
16. Use of alcohol and controlled substances while performing service as a TMN volunteer is prohibited. Reporting for service while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance will result in termination from volunteer service.
17. Accept responsibility for decisions made and actions taken based on these decisions. –Updated October 2025

I have read and agree to the Texas Master Naturalist Standards of Conduct

When this form is complete and submitted, you should hear from us within 24 hours. Please contact [email protected] if you have not heard from us.

I understand that by clicking “SUMBIT”, I am electronically signing this document.

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TMN TRAINING CLASS APPLICATION: Spring 2027

Volunteer Pledge

Texas Master Naturalist Code of Ethics

Texas Master Naturalist Standards of Conduct

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