Become a trained and certified Texas Master Naturalist!
The application period for training to become a Texas Master Naturalist is open year-round. If you are interested in becoming a Master Naturalist, please fill out and submit the form at any time. You will receive more information about class scheduling after you submit your application. The series of classes generally start early in the year but may start later depending on the number of applicants and availability of instructors. Please read the following information before filling out the online application at the bottom of this page.
Most classes will be held at the Opal Durant Community Center Library (Acton Library) on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. When scheduled, classes will be posted on the Chapter’s website calendar. You can download the single page pdf version of an example class schedule here. Example Training Class Schedule Be sure to read the schedule before filling out your training application as you will be asked to verify that you have read it.
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 Maryann Mathews at rbmntrain@gmail.com.
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!