Basic Training begins on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Opal Durant Acton Community Center.
Read on to learn more and to register online.
Our chapter offers basic training each year beginning in January. The first in the next series of classes begins on January 11 at 9 AM, followed at 12 noon by a Meet and Greet social with introductions to other chapter members. Now is a good time to register! However, you may submit your application (see below) at any time, and our training coordinator will provide you with more information.
We invite you to join us at any and all of our monthly meetings to learn more about who we are and what we do. Meetings are open to the public. Monthly meetings rotate around Hood, Johnson, and Somervell Counties. Check our calendar for locations and details for each meeting.
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. The 2025 training schedule will be available by the end of the year. Classes will be most Saturdays through May, with a blend of classroom and field trips.
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!