We are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for our 2027 Initial Training Class which will begin in January 2027. See below for details.
It’s never too late to stay up-to-date, so check out our new Pollinator Projects page, our Champions for Nature update and the rest of our website.
Join a group of fun and knowledgeable nature-loving volunteers to help provide education, outreach, and service in our communities.
What is a Master Naturalist?
Someone who loves being outdoors!
Someone who’s NOT afraid to get his or her feet wet!
Someone who’s alert to his or her natural surroundings!
The mission of the Texas Master Naturalist program is to train volunteers to provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the state of Texas. The program currently supports 10,400 volunteers in 46 local chapters across the state. Many communities and organizations rely on these citizen volunteers for operating parks, nature centers, and natural areas; and for providing leadership in local natural resource conservation efforts.
What does it take to become a Master Naturalist?
Initial requirements to become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist and member of the Sabine-Neches Chapter:
- 40 hours of basic training (including field studies)
- 40 hours minimum of volunteer service on approved projects in the first year of the start of basic training (Note: you must attend at least one training class before beginning volunteer work.)
- 8 hours minimum of approved advanced training in the first year of the start of the training Session
- $150 application fee (includes one copy of Texas Master Naturalist, a 760-page reference manual edited by Michelle M. Haggerty and Mary Pearl Meuth), T-Shirt and annual background check
Annual requirements to maintain active, certified status in the Sabine-Neches Chapter are:
- 40 hours minimum of volunteer service on approved projects
- 8 hours of approved advanced training
- $40 annual dues
Online Application Process:
Applications for our 2027 Spring Training Class are now being accepted through January 2027 or until class capacity is reached. Click on the following link to apply:
Upon acceptance of your application, you will be contacted by our chapter to finalize the application process prior to the beginning of class.
Still Undecided….Be The Solution!
Watch this video. One of our Fall 2021 Trainees won the video contest at the Texas Master Naturalist 2021 Annual Meeting. This video was selected from among the many submitted by Chapters with up to 400 members showing how every little effort makes a big difference. Join us…your talents and efforts make a difference.
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