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.
This course provides a conceptual understanding of our natural systems and the detrimental, long-term consequences of imbalances and faulty management. It also includes essential information and strategies to restore, regenerate, nurture, and conserve our indigenous plant species and animal habitats. The program enhances your love of nature with research-based scientific knowledge. You will receive training in wildlife and natural resource management taught by local experts in the field and customized to focus on the native ecosystems of North Central Texas – Ellis and Navarro Counties specifically. You will also have the opportunity for advanced training in specialized subjects that interest you.
In return for this training, you will provide your community with at least 40 hours of volunteer services per year in the form of educational activities, projects, outreach, or service.
Requirements to become a certified Master Naturalist volunteer:
Class Work: Attend all 12 scheduled training lectures and field trips. (You will be responsible for making up missed classes).
Volunteer and Advanced Training Hours: Finish 40 volunteer hours of service and 8 advanced training hours. These requirements must be completed by August 12, 2026 (within one year from the start of your training).
Background Check: The State Master Naturalist Office and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requires each participant to pass a background check to protect the youth and adults with whom we work.
Fees: The Training Program tuition is $150. This fee pays for the Texas Master Naturalist textbook, Chapter t-shirt, handouts, supplies, name badge, speakers, field trips, and membership dues for the initial year. The fee is $100 for a second family member when one textbook is shared. Payment plans are available upon request. Fees will be collected after acceptance notification and before the first class.
Liability Waiver: The State requires each class member to sign a liability waiver.
Once you have received your initial certification, you may recertify each year by completing 40 volunteer hours and 8 advanced training hours. Each year’s recertification milestone is recognized through a special pin provided by the state office.
Class size is limited. Selection criteria include: interest in the program, availability for volunteer service, commitment to stewardship of our natural resources, and commitment to our chapter’s geographic areas. Our chapter primarily serves Ellis and Navarro Counties.
Classes will take place weekly in Waxahachie from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., beginning August 12 and ending Tuesday, October 28, 2025. All classes will take place on Tuesday evenings.
The course includes three Saturday morning field trips:
- September 6: John Bunker Sands Wetland Center 9am – 12pm
- October 4: Trinity River Audubon Center 9am – 11am
- October 25: Botanical Research Institute of Texas 9am – 12pm
Is the Texas Master Naturalist Program for me?
- Am I curious to learn about the natural areas/resources in North Central Texas, specifically Ellis and Navarro Counties?
- Am I eager to participate in a practical and intense training program?
- Do I look forward to volunteering in the areas covered by our Indian Trail Master Naturalist Chapter (Ellis and Navarro Counties)?
- Do I have enough time to attend training and complete the requirements for initial certification, such as 40 hours of volunteer service?
- Do I plan to continue serving as a volunteer in the program after my initial certification?
This program is intended to serve persons of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, gender, religion, disability, or national origin. We seek to provide reasonable accommodations for all persons with disabilities. Please advise us as soon as possible of auxiliary aid or services that you require.
Thank you for your interest in the Texas Master Naturalist program. We look forward to your participation in this educational and beneficial volunteer program. Have questions about training before signing up? Contact Us.
Training Application
Application for the Training Program of the Indian Trail Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists