Become a Master Naturalist

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.

How to Become a Texas Master Naturalist

 

  • Master Naturalist Trainees must successfully complete an approved training program with at least 40 hours of combined field and classroom instruction though a Texas Master Naturalist Chapter.
  • Within 12 months of starting training, the candidate should complete at least 40 hours of volunteer service in their community and complete 8 hours of advanced training (AT) to advance their knowledge and connection with their ecoregion.  There are numerous opportunities to complete these requirements through the chapter.
  • In subsequent years, the candidate must complete another 8 hours of advanced training and donate 40 hours of volunteer service to maintain their certification (or to re-certify) as a Texas Master Naturalist.
  • You must be 18 years of age and pass a Criminal Background Check (CBC) to enroll in the TMN training class and be a member. The CBC will be performed after the application is received. The State also requires that a Liability Waiver be signed.
  • Once the CBC has been completed, you will be notified and additional information sent to you with the class schedule, meeting times and locations, etc.

Training

  • The 2026 Indian Trail Chapter Training begins August 11 and ends Tuesday, October 27.
  • Training classes include field and classroom instruction.
  • Classroom instruction will take place on Tuesday evenings in Waxahachie from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. The classroom is located in the Family Life Building of the First United Methodist Church in Waxahachie located at 505 W. Marvin Ave. Waxahachie.
  • Field training will be held on Saturday mornings and will consist of 3 – 4 field trips at different locations in the southern Metroplex area.

Tuition:

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. Fees will be collected after acceptance notification and before the first class. Payment plans are available upon request.

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.

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

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Legal Name(Required)
Complete Legal Name
Preferred Name(Required)
As you wish it to appear on your name tag and certificate.
Enter month, day, and year.
Mailing Address(Required)
Email(Required)
(If employed. Or former occupation if retired.)
Please list their name and phone # and relationship to you:
Availability(Required)
What times do you have available for activities?
Other Org(Required)
Do you volunteer with any other organization?
If so, which ones, and about how many hours do you volunteer each month?
What special talents or skills do you have that could benefit our Texas Master Naturalist Chapter? These don’t have to be nature related – examples: computer programming, accounting, wood working, newsletter writing, graphic arts, etc.
Please summarize any experiences and/or training you have had related to the management or stewardship of our local natural resources.
Interests(Required)
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. Which of these areas would you most enjoy working in to fulfill these objectives? Check all that are of interest.

By submitting this application, I am indicating I have read and agree to the following statements:

1: Class Attendance(Required)
I understand that I am required to attend the classes and Saturday field trips scheduled: August – October. I understand there are weekly reading assignments before class. I understand that although I may miss one class without needing to make it up, it is my responsibility to make up any other missed classes or field trips. Make up opportunities are available.
2: Certification Hours(Required)
In addition to the 40 hours of training classes and field trips, I understand that in order to become a Certified Master Naturalist I’ll also need to complete 40 hours of accepted volunteer service and 8 hours of approved advanced training before the start of the next year’s training class. I agree that I will be able to fulfill 40 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of advanced training by the start of the next year’s training class.
3: Recertification(Required)
I understand that each year after initial certification, an additional 40 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of advanced training will be needed to maintain certification.
4: Logging Time(Required)
I understand that I’m responsible for logging my hours into the Volunteer Management System (VMS) within the designated time frame and that help is available to help me learn this process. I will need to have access to a computer or smart phone in order to log my training, volunteer service and advanced training hours.
5: Approved Chapter Projects and Training(Required)
I understand that volunteer service will be done only on projects approved by our Chapter. Advanced training must be pre-approved by our Advanced Training Chair.
6: Background Check(Required)
I understand the Master Naturalist Program requires passing a background check to protect the safety of our youth and adults. Volunteer service cannot begin until the background check has been completed.
7: Age Requirement(Required)
I understand that I must be 18 or older to participate in the Texas Master Naturalist Program.
8: Positive Image(Required)
I agree to present a positive image that speaks well of the Texas Master Naturalist Program and our Chapter.
9: Standards of Conduct(Required)
I have read and agree to abide by the Standards of Conduct of the Texas Master Naturalist Program (To review, please copy and paste into your browser): https://txmn.org/tierra/files/2023/12/Standards-of-Conduct.pdf
10: Code of Ethics(Required)
I have read and agree to abide by the Code of Ethics of the Texas Master Naturalist Program (To review, please copy and paste into your browser): https://txmn.org/tierra/files/2023/12/Code-of-Ethics.pdf