Welcome to the Texas Master Naturalist, Hill Country Chapter, course application process. 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.
Prospective members receive science-based comprehensive training in natural resource management specific to the Texas Hill Country and share their knowledge to promote conservation and good stewardship in their communities. The upcoming course will be:
Class Dates: August 27th thru November 22
Please review the Course Schedule carefully. There is a strict attendance policy for the course. If you have conflicts with more than 1 scheduled meeting, please consider waiting for next year’s class.
There is a $200 tuition fee for the course which includes the textbook. The fee is due upon acceptance to the class. Couples sharing a textbook can discount 1 fee by $40. Limited tuition assistance is available; email Membership@hillcountrytmn.org to inquire.
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 TWO-STEP APPLICATION:
Step 1 » Complete and submit the Texas Master Naturalist, Hill Country Chapter’s Course Application form at https://txmn.org/hillcountry/2025-course-application/
Be sure to click the submit button at the end of the form. The class size is limited to 25 students. We expect the class to fill up quickly!
Step 2 » Complete and submit the required State’s Texas Master Naturalist Volunteer Application
In the course of completing this step, you will click on the blue Sign Up button to:
- Create an account for the Volunteer Management System (VMS)
- Make a note of your User Name and Password
- Authorize the required background check
Your application will not be considered until you have completed BOTH Steps 1 & 2 above. We will acknowledge receipt of your application within 3 days. Please contact us as soon as possible if you do not receive this confirmation. This confirmation does not guarantee a place in the class. You will be notified of your acceptance in the class within 3 weeks of receiving your completed application.
Once accepted, your $200 tuition will be due within 2 weeks of notification.
QUESTIONS? Email Membership@hillcountrytmn.org
Proceed to Proceed to Application Process