Become a Master Naturalist

The goal of the Texas Master Naturalist program is to develop knowledgeable volunteers, to increase public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of our natural resources, and to promote stewardship: the principles of responsible, sustainable development and renewable natural resources through education and active citizen participation.

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 scheduled classes and field trips. (You will be responsible for making up any missed class.)

Volunteer and Advanced Training Hours: Finish 40 volunteer hours of service and 8 advanced training hours. These requirements must be completed by August 13, 2025 (within one year from the start of your training).

Background Check: The State Master Naturalist Office 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, handouts, speakers, and field trips. 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.

Class size is limited. Selection criteria include: interest in the program, availability for volunteer service, and commitment to stewardship of our natural resources.

Classes will take place weekly in Waxahachie from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m., beginning August 13 and ending Tuesday, October 29, 2024. All classes will take place on Tuesday evenings.

The course includes three Saturday morning field trips:

• September 7: John Bunker Sands Wetland Center 9am – 12pm
• October 5: Trinity River Audubon 9am – 11am
• October 26: Botanical Research Institute of Texas 9am – 12pm

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.

Applications for Fall 2025 will be available at a later date.

Have questions about training before signing up? Contact Us.