Texas Master Naturalists not only get their feet wet and their hands dirty, but while doing so they spend time in a natural setting, learn about different plant and animal species, and maybe even find something new!
Want to join the South Texas Master Naturalist Chapter?
The answer is YES! South Texas Master Naturalist Training is fun and diverse! You will learn about our unique ecology and enhance your love of nature. All Master Naturalist interns will receive in-depth training in wildlife and natural resource management taught by recognized experts in the field and customized to focus on the native ecosystems in our area.
Click HERE and you will see the screen below – Click SIGN UP Box to Register
Now that you are registered, you will need to complete the following requirements to become and stay a Texas Master Naturalist:
- Master Naturalist Interns (Trainees) must successfully complete an approved training program with at least 40 hours of combined field and classroom instruction through a Texas Master Naturalist Chapter.
- After completing the training above, to become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist, the candidate donates at least 40 hours of volunteer service back to the state and community. Interns can complete their 40 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of advanced training within a year after completion of their initial training.
- In subsequent years, the candidate must complete another 8 hours of advanced training and donate 40 hours of volunteer service to maintain their certification (or to re-certify) as a Texas Master Naturalist.
The Initial Training schedule for the South Texas Master Naturalist Chapter will be coming soon. If you have any questions about the future Initial Training Classes, please contact:
Dawn Bissell, Initial Training Director, bissells@swbell.net or cell/text 361-960-2151
Volunteer Project Guidelines – Staying a Master Naturalist
TMN State Guidelines: “In order to attain certification, a Texas Master Naturalist trainee must complete a minimum of 40 volunteer service hours and 8 hours or advanced training within one year of the initial training series. In order to retain the title of Texas Master Naturalist, a volunteer must complete another 40 volunteer service hours and 8 hours of advanced training in every subsequent year.”
Volunteer work must be consistent with the TMN mission statement: “To provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within our communities.” This mission includes educating the public on natural resources, but it also includes managing, maintaining, and improving the environment for the benefit of wildlife and the public. Volunteer work must be performed principally as a Texas Master Naturalist rather than as a member of another organization.
Other Basic Guidelines
Volunteers who belong to two organizations that both require volunteer service as part of membership (e.g., TMN and Master Gardeners) may not count the same work hours twice, getting credit from both organizations. Volunteer work that results in a profit to another organization cannot be approved: Volunteers may not count volunteer work for a for-profit organization. Volunteers may not count work for a nonprofit organization that results in the organization earning money for its own programs. Volunteer work in approved Chapter fund-raising efforts can be counted. Paid work of any kind cannot be counted for Volunteer credit.
Volunteer hours credit is earned for time spent preparing a volunteer presentation as well as for making the actual presentation. Travel time to and from any volunteer project activity earns volunteer credit (does not apply to attend advanced training activities).
All chapter board members, committee chairmen, and committee members will receive hour-for-hour credit for volunteer hours spent fulfilling those duties (including travel time).
Very Important: Volunteer Screening Requirements The Texas Agricultural Extension Service Youth Protection Standards require that Texas Master Naturalists who will work directly with youth must be screened and qualified in advance through the YPS program. For the convenience of South Texas Chapter Master Naturalists who will be involved in direct contact with youth, the required form and pertinent rules and guidelines are provided here to download and print. This requirement pertains only to those Master Naturalists who will be working directly with youth during their volunteer activities.