Piney Wood Lakes, covering the counties of Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Tyler, became the 42nd chapter of Texas Master Naturalist in 2010. Since then, over 100 local volunteers have joined the program and have together contributed more than 44,000 hours of service and reached thousands of residents of all ages. These volunteer efforts are estimated to be worth more than $500K to our community.
In 2024 we are a growing chapter with a continuing mission:
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 the Piney Wood Lakes area.
We are sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife, and supported by the committed local volunteers who join the chapter and contribute to the TMN mission!
PWL Chapter Leadership
OFFICERS:
President (24/25) – Tina Crichfield
Vice President (25/26) – Leigh Allen
Secretary (24/25) – Karen Lee
Treasurer (25/26) – Kim Chatman
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: (appointed)
Past Co-Presidents – Susan Tullos and Ron Diderich
Training Director – Open
VMS Coordinator – Olivia Wood
Membership Chair – Carol Craft
Marketing/Communication – Shaila Palamand
Advanced Training – Leigh Allen
Hospitality – Carol Havis
Projects Coordinator – Diane Jackson
Chapter Advisor – Jay Diehl, Polk County AgriLife Agent
Learn more about our current and past projects, or if you have questions or suggestions, feel free to contact us. We’d love to hear from you!
We operate under the guidelines developed by Texas Master Naturalists in partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department:
Operating Handbook
Bylaws
Standards of Conduct
Piney Wood Lakes meeting minutes and financial documents are also available for review: