LEJrMN is designed to help children learn about the native plants, animals, habitats, and history of the West TX region in order to develop a relationship with the environment that includes stewardship and volunteerism.
New Jr Master Naturalist Year for 2026-2027!
For children in grades 5-7, the program has classroom activities, outdoor activities, special field trips, and volunteer opportunities so that young people of our unique West Texas region can explore their natural surroundings, identify the most common plants and animals in their environment, learn the natural and human history of the region, and become more involved in community conservation projects.
The curriculum emphasizes hands-on activities, the scientific method as it relates to the environment, learning to become stewards of the environment, and enriching outdoor experiences.
Schedule
Classes meet on the first Tuesday of the month, 3:30-5:30 PM, September-December in the Fall, and February-May in the Spring. Classes will be held at West Texas Food Bank in Midland, Texas unless otherwise noted.
| Date | Session | Location |
| Fall Semester | Midland WTFB | |
| September 8 | Jackrabbits and Jackalopes! | West Texas Food Bank |
| October 6 | Trees of WT & their Ecosystems | West Texas Food Bank |
| November 3 | Pterosaurs of Texas-Quetzacoatlus & other Flying Reptiles | West Texas Food Bank |
| December 1 | Migratory Birds-Warblers & Woodpeckers | West Texas Food Bank |
| Spring Semester | ||
| February 2 | Historical Naturalists of TX & Naturalists Notebooks | West Texas Food Bank |
| March 2 | Texas Toads-Amphibians in West TX | West Texas Food Bank |
| April 6 | Playas & Aquifers-Water in West TX | West Texas Food Bank |
| May 4 | Arachnid Adventures-Spiders, Scorpions, & more! | West Texas Food Bank |
Required Registration
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND! Class size is limited to 15 and is on a first come, first served basis. To start the registration process, please click the link below, fill out the form and submit it. Registration cost is $80 for the entire year which can be paid in full after submitting a registration form and receiving payment information. You can also choose to pay by semester, so $40 for the Fall Semester and $40 for the Spring semester. Keep in mind that your child’s spot is not reserved until payment is received. We are currently accepting PayPal, credit cards, checks or cash.
Registration Link for 2026-2027 will be open soon.
If you would like to be put on the wait list in case openings become available after all spots are filled, please email us at the email listed below.
Certification Requirements
Your child can just enjoy attending and participating in the program, or they can participate to become a Certified Junior Master Naturalist. Children become a Certified Jr. Master Naturalist by completing the following:
- Attend 7 out of 8 Classes offered in the FALL and SPRING
- Attend 2 Approved Volunteer Opportunities (opportunities provided and/or approved by LETMN)
- Attend 2 Field Training Sessions (opportunities provided and/or approved by LETMN)
Rewards
- Attending 4 classes will earn a T-shirt and Certificate
- Completing certification requirements will earn a Lanyard, Pin and Certificate. If children attend multiple years and complete requirements, they can get a new pin each year.
For more information, contact us at: [email protected]