Countdown to the 2026 Annual Meeting

Welcome to Waco!

Waco sits at a remarkable ecological crossroads, where the Blackland Prairie meets the Cross Timbers, creating a rich mosaic of grasslands, woodlands, and riparian corridors along the Brazos River. This convergence of ecosystems offers an exceptional setting for discovery, learning, and field-based inspiration for Master Naturalists. From tallgrass prairie remnants and post oak savannas, to limestone outcrops and riverine habitats, the Waco area showcases the diversity and transition zones that define central Texas landscapes.

Just north of downtown, the Waco Mammoth National Monument provides a globally significant window into the Ice Age, preserving the in-situ remains of Columbian mammoths and other megafauna while highlighting the region’s geologic and palaeoecological history. Nearby, Mother Neff State Park offers hands-on immersion in the Cross Timbers ecosystem, with spring-fed creeks, wildflower-filled prairies, limestone bluffs, and shaded woodland trails that exemplify long-term conservation and stewardship. From the scenic trails around Lake Waco, to the intentional green spaces within the city limits, together, Waco’s natural assets create an ideal backdrop for exploration, connection, and the shared mission of conservation education—making it a compelling host location for the Texas Master Naturalist Annual Meeting.

This webpage contains all you need to know about the Annual Meeting and is updated regularly as information is released. Do you want to be one of the first to know about the new information? Sign up for a regular subscription of our TMN Email Listserv and follow us on Instagram and Facebook—plus turn on post notifications! Learn how to below:

TMN Email Listserv:

• Sign up here. The TMN list is pre selected—no need to search through the lists!
• Change your subscription from a “digest” (larger messages with a collection of individual postings) to a “regular” (receive individual postings immediately as they are processed).

Instagram:

• Favorite us! Go to @texasmasternaturalist, tap “Following”, then tap “Add to Favorites.”
• Turn on notifications! Go to @texasmasternaturalist, tap “Following,” then “Notifications,” and toggle on the desired notification types (Posts, Stories, Reels, or Live).

Facebook:

• Turn on notifications! Go to the Texas Master Naturalist Program page, find the “Following” button, then click “Notifications” and select your desired notification settings.

The Texas Master Naturalist Program has established an Annual Meeting Code of Conduct as a positive step towards a safe and equitable gathering. All who register agree to abide by this code, and we provide it in full for your familiarity and reference. The code is also linked from the Annual Meeting app.

Agenda

Registration

Register for the best event of the year! You do not have to be a Master Naturalist to join us! The conference is open to the public!

Registration is CLOSED! We look forward to seeing you in Waco!

Below you can find a breakdown of the pricing:

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Early Bird Registration Costs:

• Full Event: $380
• Two Day (Thurs & Fri. OR Fri. & Sat.): $355
• One Day (Thur., Fri. OR Sat.): $205
• Rates applicable until August 31. After August 31, standard rates apply.

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Standard Registration Costs:

• Full Event: $430
• Two Day (Thurs & Fri. OR Fri. & Sat.): $405
• One Day (Thur., Fri. OR Sat.): $255
• Registration closes September 30.

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Meals Only Costs:

• Guest Meals: $300
• Awards Dinner: $75
• NEW! Welcome Reception: $75

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Registration Includes:**

• Full Event: Includes all sessions, events, and included conference meals and refreshments from Thursday through Sunday.
• Two Day (Friday & Saturday ONLY): Includes all sessions, events, and included conference meals and refreshments on Friday and Saturday only.
• One Day (Thursday, Friday OR Saturday ONLY): Includes all sessions, events, and included conference meals and refreshments on your selected day.
• Guest Meals: Includes all included conference meals and refreshments from Thursday through Sunday.**
• Awards Dinner: Includes admission and meal ticket for Saturday evening’s Awards Dinner only.
• NEW! Welcome Reception: Includes admission and meal ticket for Thursday’s Welcome Reception at the Mayborn Museum only.

**Please note: Registration includes the meals and refreshments specified for each registration package. Morning coffee service and refreshment breaks will be provided throughout the conference. Breakfast is not included with registration; however, many of our contracted hotels offer complimentary breakfast for overnight guests. Additional dining options are also available within walking distance of the Convention Center.

Cancelation Policy: Any cancelations made on or before Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, will receive a partial refund (see event website for details). Any cancellations made after Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, are non refundable.

Registration & Field Session FAQs

The Texas Master Naturalist Program has established an Annual Meeting Code of Conduct as a positive step towards a safe and equitable gathering. All who register agree to abide by this code, and we provide it in full for your familiarity and reference. The code is also linked from the Annual Meeting app.

Need help with registration or payment processing?
Please contact one of our Friends of the Texas Master Naturalist Program officers:

• Carolyn Langlinais, Secretary – (281) 851-5330
•  Donna Cole, President – (214) 538-4444
•  Julie Vickers, Vice President – (713) 294-7366
• Jeanette Geiman, Treasurer – treasurer@fotmn.org

Join our TMN Email Listserv to be the first to hear about the Annual Meeting registration and more.
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Sponsors

All sponsorships receive special recognition through conference communication, fliers, announcements, and programs. Sponsors could make a general contribution to support and sponsor the TMN Annual Meeting at any of the following levels with recognition at each level as given:

Friend – $150

• Posted on Annual Meeting website/socials

Ecologist – $300

• All Friend level recognition, plus:
• Posted on conference hallway signs

Steward – $500

• All Ecologist level recognition, plus:
• Posted on Annual Meeting app
• Recognition given during awards ceremony

Conservationist – $1,000

• All Steward level recognition, plus:
• Complimentary Vendor Booth (optional)

Guardian – $3,000

• All Conservationist level recognition, plus:
• Reserved table at Annual Meeting awards dinner
• Inclusion of collateral materials in attendee registration bags

Naturalist – $5,000+

• All Conservationist level recognition, plus:
• Organization highlight page on website

To be a sponsor of the 2026 Annual Meeting, download the Sponsorship Packet and contact Mary Pearl Meuth – marypearl.meuth@ag.tamu.edu

Vendors

We are once again hosting our event with the opportunity to invite vendors and exhibitors with naturalist-related goods, artwork, projects, plants, educational materials, and outreach from partnership organizations. The vendor booths will be located in the Brazos Ballroom of the Waco Convention Center.

There will be ample time throughout the conference for attendees to browse the vendor areas, with breaks and socials scheduled to be held in the vendor space. We kindly ask that all vendors donate an item for the Silent Auction. The money raised from the silent auction will be used towards scholarship funds for Master Naturalists expressing a financial need to be able to attend our conference the following year.

Vendor Booth Space Information:

• Vendor setup will be on Thursday, October 22 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm, with take down and move out by 10:00am on Sunday, October 25. Vendors will be responsible for their own move in, set up, take down, and move out.
• Vendors will receive one 6’ table and two chairs. Additional tables may be available if needed, potentially at an additional cost.
• Electricity and other display items can be discussed if needed, potentially at an additional cost. Wi-Fi will be available in the conference space for all attendees. Hardline and electric cord charges may be available, potentially at an additional cost.
• Please have all vendor applications emailed to Mary Pearl Meuth (marypearl.meuth@ag.tamu.edu), by 5PM CT on Sept. 11, 2026.

Please download the Vendor Packet and email Mary Pearl Meuth, marypearl.meuth@ag.tamu.edu if you’re interested in being a vendor at the 2026 Annual Meeting.

We are nearing capacity for vendors at the Texas Master Naturalist Annual Meeting. If you are interested in participating as a vendor, please contact Mary Pearl first to confirm space is still available before submitting your registration.

Silent Auction

TMN Annual Meeting Silent Auction – Donate an Item!

One of the highlights of the Texas Master Naturalist Annual Meeting each year is the Silent Auction! Proceeds directly support chapter project grants, scholarships for members to attend the Annual Meeting, and bringing in top-quality speakers and trainers for future events.

We invite both chapters and individual members to participate by donating new or like-new, naturalist-themed items. Popular donations include experiences, outdoor gear, nature guides and books, artwork or photography, gift certificates, and themed baskets that showcase your local region. Every contribution—large or small—helps make the auction a success.

• Donation Deadline: Sunday, October 18, at 5:00 PM to be eligible for the $100 Silent Auction door prize drawing
• Item Drop Off: Bring items to the Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 22 (1–5 PM) or mailed by October 15th to Luzette Berry – 4401 Westchester Dr. Waco, TX 76710 
• Minimum Value: Items should be in new or like-new condition with a value of at least $25

How to participate

• Submit your item details: https://forms.gle/3DGiq9CmhwYqRNYVA 
• Need a receipt for your donation? Silent Auction Donation Receipt
• Bringing an item to the meeting? Either fill out the form above to generate a pre-filled out bid sheet or use the blank bid sheet here: Please attach a Silent Auction Bid Sheet

Thank you for helping us make this year’s Silent Auction our best yet—and for supporting conservation education across Texas!

Contests and Awards

We host four Annual Meeting contests each year. All award winners for last year can be seen here in the 2025 Annual Meeting Awards Wrap Up.

• Chapter Advisor Award
  • Nominate your chapter’s advisor(s) to be recognized!
• Chapter Project Fair
  • Submit your chapter project for our virtual fair!
• Video Contest
  • Videos of 1 minute to 3 minutes highlighting chapter activities!
• Photo, Art & Media Contest
  • Photos and art taken in/focused on Texas
  • Media developed for chapter use/promotion
  • Note: Photos & Media must be taken somewhere in Texas.

Submission forms for the contests can be found on the pages below:

2026 Annual Meeting Photo, Art & Media Contest

Best of Show 2025 We are excited to once again host our annual Photo, Art…

Read More

2026 Annual Meeting Video Contest

We are now accepting Video Contest submissions for the 2026 Annual Meeting! Release the director…

Read More

2026 Annual Meeting Chapter Project Fair

We are now accepting Chapter Project Fair submissions for the 2026 Annual Meeting! The Texas…

Read More

2026 Annual Meeting Chapter Advisor Award

The Texas Master Naturalist Program presents the Chapter Advisor Award to outstanding advisors and/or teams…

Read More

Proposals

We are planning for an in-person Annual Meeting for 2026! We are asking that all presenters be prepared to host their sessions in person with us this fall, however special considerations may be given where needed. The final full event schedule will be released in the summer. We are seeking proposals for both classroom presentations and field sessions in and around Waco:

As a classroom presenter, you would have the opportunity to inform and train TMN members from across the state on various natural resource topics and provide more in-depth information than their initial core training and curriculum.  You are also encouraged to make this an opportunity to enlist and train our program volunteers to assist you, your program, and your work as part of their annual volunteer service commitment. Classroom sessions are currently scheduled to begin each day of the conference at 8am and end at 5pm. Classroom sessions will be offered concurrently with one, two, three and four hour blocks, built-in breaks and potentially themed days (dependent on final submissions received).

As a field session presenter, you would have the opportunity to showcase the region’s diversity of natural spaces, highlight local TMN chapter projects and inform and train TMN members from across the state on various natural resource topics.  You are also encouraged to make this an opportunity to host a service project for our volunteers to assist you, your program, and your work as part of their annual volunteer service commitment – even while at the conference. Our Annual Meeting is a time to host numerous field session site visits before, during, and after the event. Three goals with Annual Meeting field sessions is to provide advanced training applicable to any registered Master Naturalist traveling to the meeting from anywhere in the state, while also showcasing the local diversity of the area and the work of local host chapters for project sharing, learning and replication. We want field session attending TMN’s to walk away from the event knowing a bit more about the natural landscape of our host location – and to have new ideas for chapter projects or project management ideas.

Annual Meeting registration and costs will be released in the summer. Classroom session presenters will need to register to attend the Annual Meeting if they intend to stay and participate beyond their presentation time or for event activities outside of technical sessions. 

Proposals are no longer being accepted for this year’s agenda. Please reach out to Mary Pearl Meuth (mpmeuth@tamu.edu) if you have any questions.

Merchandise

Our pop-up store is not live yet. Check back later!

Don’t forget to order your Texas Master Naturalist Annual Meeting merchandise during our pop-up store!

The link to the store has expired. Please pick up your items at the Annual Meeting.

These custom products are made-to-order, especially for you, so please review the products, sizes, and quantities accuracy in your shopping cart before submitting your order.

After the store expires on September 15, C. C. Creations will be creating your custom products in bulk to be available for pickup at the TMN Annual Meeting in Waco. If you are not attending the Annual Meeting, please arrange for a fellow chapter member to pick up your item(s) for you. No items will be shipped directly. 

We hope you enjoy your product as much as we do and appreciate your business!

Our partners at Texas A&M University Press have once again offered to host a bulk curriculum order pickup at the 2026 Texas Master Naturalist Annual Meeting in Waco.

With the order form below, your chapter can order your Texas Master Naturalist curriculum directly from the Texas A&M University Press office and save! In addition to the standard 50% bulk order discount on orders of 10 or more curriculum manuals, your chapter can also save on shipping costs by picking up your order at the Annual Meeting.

Please complete the order form and return it to the Texas A&M University Press office by Thursday October 1^st, 2026, to allow sufficient time for processing and fulfillment.

When submitting your order, please include the name and cell phone number of the individual from your chapter who will be attending the Annual Meeting and picking up the curriculum. (And make sure they have plenty of room in their vehicle!)

Please email your completed order form to bookorders@tamu.edu. If you have any questions about your order, you may also contact the Texas A&M University Press office at 800-826-8911.

The exact date, time, and pickup location at the Annual Meeting will be shared with participating chapters prior to the conference.

DOWNLOAD THE ORDER FORM

Speakers

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Welcome Reception

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Get the App

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Important information for the meeting can all be found in the Attendee Hub. This can be accessed via the link below, and also through our handy mobile app!

App Store (Apple)

Google Play (Android)

Download the event app:

• On your device (phone or tablet), access the App Store or Google Play Store. Search for “Cvent Events” app and download it to your device.

Search for the event:

Open the app from your device’s home screen. Enter the event name “Texas Master Naturalist 2026 Annual Meeting” in the search bar.

Download the event:

Tap the arrow icon to download the event.

Enter your information:

If you aren’t automatically prompted to log in, tap the Profile tab at the bottom of the screen, then Log In. Enter your first name, last name, and the email address used when registering. Then, tap the arrow.

Verify your account:

Verify your account using the verification code sent to your email or phone via text. Enter the code in the app, and tap the arrow. Note: Verification codes expire after 24 hours. A new code will be needed for each device you sign into.

With the goal of ensuring that the Annual Meeting is welcoming and inclusive for all, please review the Code of Conduct, linked below.

Code of Conduct: https://txmn.tamu.edu/annual-meeting-code-of-conduct/

Parking

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Annual Meeting attendees who are staying in one of the offsite hotels or commuting in can find free parking at the Waco Convention Center! Parking is available in the Waco Convention Center Parking Lot off of Franklin Avenue, and in the Heritage Square lot off of Washington Avenue. Both are within easy walking distance of the convention center.

• Waco Convention Center Parking Lot (Map it here)

• Heritage Square Parking Lot (Map it here)

Gene Stallings Blvd Garage:

• Attached to conference center/hotel.
• Included in lodging for all onsite guests. Includes in & out privileges with room key card.
• Hourly/daily rates via Texas A&M Transportation Services for offsite guests.
• Garage has ~1,426 spaces, elevators, cameras, and direct access to the 2nd floor via a bridge.

Other parking options nearby (walkable):

• West Campus Garage (WCG).
• University Center Garage (UCG).
• Surface lots (e.g. Lot 42, 62, 67).

Payment and access:

• Payment accepted at entry machines or via ParkMobile app.
• Check Texas A&M Transportation Services to find current rates.

Things to Do

If you have a spare moment while you are in the area, here are a few extra things to do and see!

• Waco Lake
• Lake Waco Wetlands
• Waco Mammoth National Monument
• Mayborn Museum
• Cameron Park
• Waco River Walk
• Mother Neff State Park

Need an afternoon coffee break during the conference? Check out the local coffee shops below:

• Fabled Bookshop and Cafe – 7 minute walk from convention center
• Bitty and Beau’s Coffee – 3 minute walk from convention center
• Mila Rose – 4 minute walk from convention center
• Dichotomy Coffee – 9 minute walk from convention center
• Zuke’s Tea Bar – 9 minute walk from convention center

View the past 6 Annual Meetings:

• 2025 Annual Meeting – October 16 – 19, 2025, College Station, TX
• 2024 Annual Meeting – October 24 – 27, 2024, San Marcos, TX
• 2023 Annual Meeting – October 14 – 17, 2023, McAllen, TX
• 2022 Annual Meeting – October 20 – 23, 2022, Houston, TX
• 2021 Annual Meeting – October 21- 24, 2021, Hybrid, Irving, TX
• 2020 Annual Meeting – October 14 – 17, 2020, Virtual