Volunteer service is the reason for our existence.
Chapter members must contribute 40 hours of volunteer service annually to retain certification in the Texas Master Naturalist program.
Our members make a difference in more than 80 chapter-approved volunteer projects across our ten-county service area.
Calling for Volunteers
Due to COVID surge in Texas, all Chapters in the state, with the exception of 5 are being totally shut down as of December 9th. This will be in force until December 23rd
We are a Red Chapter.
The State Offices have devised a color coded chart listing counties as Red, Yellow or Green.
There are no Green Counties in the state. Multi-county Chapters must follow the strictest level of guidance for the counties in their Chapter’s territory. Currently, our territory has two Red counties, Kerr and Gillespie which governs the level of guidance for the entire Chapter.
Here are the rules:
1. NO face to face activities of any kind.
2. ALL TMN projects listed in the VMS are to cease operations if carried out in public places or in groups even as small as two people. Example: RNC, UGRA, Cibolo NC, etc. No volunteer VMS project hours of these types can be posted.
One person projects may continue as long as the public does not have access to the site. Citizen science projects limited to your backyard or your own rural property are permitted.
3. This includes the upcoming Christmas Bird Count.
4. NO TMN related travel of any kind.
Our chapter’s approved volunteer service projects provide many opportunities for meaningful service. Members are free to volunteer on any approved project in any of our ten counties. Provide service on as many or as few projects as you choose.
If the volunteer activity is not specifically listed by name it is likely not an approved project. Contact us before volunteering to determine if an unlisted project qualifies for reportable hours. VMS projects manager or VMS data manager
Project opportunities are sponsored by various entities: state program sponsors, the chapter, non-profit organizations, nature centers, schools, city, county, state, and federal agencies. Volunteering as a Texas Master Naturalist for private benefit or on privately-owned property is prohibited.
Ready to create and lead a brand new project? Review the Volunteer Service Requirements, then submit your project for review.
Projects Spotlight
NEW! Zion Pollinator Garden KR-03-B
Chapter Project Coordinator: Katy Kappel
Zion Lutheran Church in Kerrville received a visit from the chapter’s Pollinator Garden Assistance and Recognition Program (PGARP) in February 2019. The Garden Club had decided to revive a neglected field and upgrade the landscape on the church’s whole property.
Following PGARP recommendations members planted many natives in the “Resurrection Garden” during 2019. Efforts will be enhanced by a recently received grant from the Native Plant Society of Texas’ “Bring Back the Monarchs” program.
There is lots of work to do in the church’s gardens located at Sidney Baker and Barnett Street.
Our goal is to have a beautiful, large, 30’ x 200’ demonstration garden right on the main street (Sidney Baker).
Other service dates will be scheduled to transplant donated plants, to harvest and install rock borders, and to pick up trash.
Contact Katy for garden service schedule. Bring your favorite tools. Water and drinks will be provided. We will design and plant our monarch/pollinator garden, and tend the rest of the native wildscape.