Become a trained and certified Texas Master Naturalist!
Our chapter generally offers basic training each year beginning early in the year. The next training session will begin on January 21, 2023, with sessions ending in June 2023. Most classes will be at the Opal Durant Community Center Library (Acton Library) and Acton Nature Center. The 2023 Basic Training Meet and Greet will be Saturday, January 7 at the Acton Library beginning at 10:30 AM. This is an opportunity for prospective trainees to meet, mingle, and visit with instructors and chapter members.
The 2023 training session schedule is available here. You may submit an application at any time, and the training coordinator will provide you with more information as soon as it’s available. Scroll down this page for the online application. Sections marked with * must be filled before you can submit your form. Please read the following information before filling out the 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 the chapter’s 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. Please note that you are required to confirm you have looked at the training schedule and are able to attend classes.
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!