Advanced Training

General Approvals

All “Generally Approved Advanced Training” is approved if taken through “Generally Approved Sponsors.” Training may include formal classes, lectures, workshops, guided walks, or other activities with specific learning objectives. It must be relevant to the Texas eco-system, and courses relating to our local ecological region are preferable. For instance, a lecture on “Flora of the Big Bend” would be acceptable; one on “Common Sparrows of Central Texas” would be preferable; a presentation on “Butterflies of Costa Rica” would not qualify. Advanced training should not be confused with volunteer work. Training regarding techniques for conducting plant surveys would qualify as advanced training. Actually conducting a plant survey is considered volunteer work. The topics listed as “Generally Approved Advanced Training” are not intended to be all-inclusive or limiting. If you identify an opportunity for advanced training that is not covered by this document, a request for approval should be submitted prior to attending the training.

Generally Approved Advanced Training

  • Wildlife identification & behavior – includes mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, mussels, butterflies, dragonflies/damselflies, insects and other invertebrates.
  • Plant identification, life cycles, & uses – includes trees, shrubs, vines, wildflowers, grasses, fungi, lichens, mosses and other recognized plant types.
  • Wildlife/Plant survey training
  • Field trip leader, docent training
  • Native habitat evaluation, management, & restoration
  • Native/Natural gardening techniques
  • Geology and soils
  • General ecology and ecosystems
  • Rangeland ecology and management
  • Archeology and paleontology

Generally Approved Sponsors

  • Texas Master Naturalists & local TMN chapters
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife
  • Texas AgriLife Extension Service
  • University of Texas, Texas State University, & Austin Community College – Formal Classes and Adult Education; or any other accredited state or community college or university
  • National Wildlife Federation
  • Center for Environmental Research
  • Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
  • Native Plant Society of Texas
  • Native Prairies Association of Texas
  • McKinney Roughs (LCRA)
  • Wild Basin
  • Friends of Balcones Canyonlands NWR
  • Bamberger Ranch
  • Travis Audubon Society
  • Bastrop County Audubon Society
  • Austin Butterfly Forum
  • Horned Lizard Conservation Society
  • Texas Archeological Society