Application to the Texas Master Naturalist, Hill Country Chapter, is open to all individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of socioeconomic level, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age (18 or older), or disability.
Texas Master Naturalists utilize the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Volunteer Management System (VMS) online reporting tool to record volunteer service hours. Use of this reporting system is mandatory for all Texas Master Naturalists. The Hill Country Chapter also utilizes e-mail and other online tools to communicate and collaborate with students. All online tools are internet-based and can be accessed from any computer or tablet. All students accepted into the program must learn and use VMS and all communication and collaboration tools we utilize. We will provide training on the use of these computer applications prior to classes beginning.
Background Checks and Waivers: All training applicants must agree to a photo and liability waiver, in addition to a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department background check. A driver’s license is required to complete the online form. There is no cost to you for the background check. This TPWD background check is mandatory of all Texas Master Naturalists, new and current, regardless of previous or other current background checks. After the initial TPWD background check, background check updates are required every 3 years.
Complete the Three-Step Training Course Application:
Step 1 » Complete and submit the Hill Country Chapter application form below by April 22, 2024.
Step 2 » Submit tuition payment of $200, textbook included, by one of two options:
- 1) Pay by personal check, payable to Hill Country Master Naturalists. Mail to the address shown below.
- 2) Pay by money order, payable to Hill Country Master Naturalists. Mail to the address shown below.
- Mail your payment to TMN Hill Country Chapter, P.O. Box 293972, Kerrville, TX 78029.
Step 3 » Complete and submit the required state level Texas Master Naturalist Volunteer Application at https://txmn.org/hillcountry/step-3-tmn-volunteer-application/
- You will create an account for the Volunteer Management System and authorize the required background check.
- Make a note of your User Name and Password.
Your application cannot be considered without completing the three steps: course application, tuition payment, and state TMN volunteer application.
» Limited tuition assistance is available. Email our membership director to inquire.
» Notification of selection or non-selection will be sent via email from the Membership Director in May 2024. Class size is limited. We will have a waiting list and will notify applicants if an opening occurs.
» Information provided is confidential.
» Questions about the training course or the Texas Master Naturalist program email our membership director.
» Questions about or a problem with the application pages email the webmaster.
The last note for you is that we encourage becoming a Certified Texas Master Naturalist. To do so, you must complete eight hours of Advanced Training and 40 hours of Volunteer service within one year of completing the basic training. This class may fulfill the Advanced Training requirement. Check out the Volunteer Calendar and the Approved Project list on this website to see available volunteer projects.