Become a trained and certified Texas Master Naturalist!
2021 initial training is now scheduled! Due to COVID-19, 2021 classes will be offered via Zoom on designated weekday evenings starting at 6:00 PM. The first class, Introduction to Texas Master Naturalist Program, will be on Monday, February 8, beginning at 6 PM. Class participants will receive the Zoom link before classes start. Field sessions will be on Saturdays and will follow state TMN rules for COVID-19 in effect at the time each class is offered. Scheduled classes are on the chapter calendar. A single page version is available here (link opens a pdf document). Be sure to read the schedule before filling out your training application as you will be asked to verify that you have read it. Please be aware that classes, dates, and locations are subject to change as circumstances warrant.
The application period for training to become a Texas Master Naturalist is open year-round. If you are interested in becoming a Master Naturalist and participating in training in 2021, please fill out and submit the application form below as soon as possible. You will receive more information about the 2021 training sessions after you submit your application. Please read the following information before filling out the online application.
Nondiscrimination Notice: Application to the Texas Master Naturalist, Rio Brazos Chapter is open to all individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of socioeconomic level, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age (18 or older), or disability.
Background Checks and Waivers: All Texas Master Naturalist, Rio Brazos Chapter training applicants must agree to a photo and liability waiver, in addition to a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department background check. A link to the required background check form will be sent after class acceptance. A driver’s license is required to complete the online form. There is no cost to you for the background check. This TPWD background check is mandatory of all Texas Master Naturalists, new and current, regardless of previous or other current background checks. After the initial TPWD background check, background check updates are required every 3 years.
Ethics and Standards of Conduct: Please review and ensure that you understand and can pledge to abide by the Texas Master Naturalist Ethics and Standards of Conduct.
Open Carry of Firearms: Texas Master Naturalists shall not openly carry firearms while volunteering, in accordance with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department policy concerning open carry of firearms.
Chapter Dues: The Rio Brazos Chapter collects $25 annual membership dues from each of its members. These are due by January 1 of each year.
Training fee: A fee of $125 covers class materials, instruction fees, the training manual, and chapter dues for the year ($25). Instructions for paying the fee will be in your acceptance notice.
Please direct any questions about the training to Gaston del Pino, Training Coordinator, at rbmntrain@gmail.com or go to the Contact Us page to submit your question or request.
FORM INSTRUCTIONS
If you are interested in becoming a certified Texas Master Naturalist, please fill out and submit the following application form at any time. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required in order for your form to be submitted. If you skip any of these fields and click on the “submit” button, you will get a notice to complete them before your submittal can be successful. Fields without an asterisk (*) are optional. However, your responses will be helpful for us to understand your commitment, background, skills, and experience as a future volunteer in the Texas Master Naturalist program.
A field at the end of the applications provides a place where you can add any relevant information that was not covered elsewhere.
We look forward to receiving your application!