What is the Texas Master Naturalist Program?
The Texas Master Naturalist Program is designed to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers who 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 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension serve as sponsors for the program.
How do I become a certified Master Naturalist?
To become a certified Master Naturalist a trainee must complete the following:
- Complete an organized training program sponsored by a Master Naturalist chapter that involves a minimum of 40 hours of instruction composed of both classroom and field experiences
- Obtain a minimum of 8 hours of approved advanced training
- Complete a minimum of 40 hours of chapter approved volunteer service
To retain certification in each subsequent year, members must complete a minimum of 8 hours of advanced training and provide a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service in chapter approved project activities.
Visit this page to learn more.
How old do I need to be to join?
You have to be at least 18 years old to join the Texas Master Naturalists.
How can I find the nearest Master Naturalist Chapter?
There are 48 chapters in Texas and more are forming. While some serve a single county, a number of chapters involve several. Since the program began in 1997, new chapters continue to form each year.
To find a chapter near you, visit the Texas Master Naturalist “Find a Chapter” page.
The chapter nearest me will not hold a class any time soon, and I would like to assist the chapter with their projects. Is that possible?
Most chapters provide opportunities for others to assist with chapter projects. However, only volunteers who have completed the certification process may represent themselves as a Texas Master Naturalist.
What does it cost to be a Master Naturalist?
Training fees and chapter dues vary usually from $50 to $200 depending on resources and field trips provided during the training. Contact the local chapter for details.
When and where is training held?
Most chapters offer training once a year either in the spring or fall. Enrollment is limited, and applications are submitted prior to each class. Specific details for chapters are located on chapter web sites that can be accessed from the state web site.
How much time is involved?
Beyond the initial certification requirement, minimum time requirements to retain certification are 8 hours of advanced training and 40 hours of service annually. Most Master Naturalists find the program so rewarding that it is not uncommon for members to devote many hours beyond the minimum requirements. But, that is a personal choice.
What are examples of projects that Master Naturalists are doing?
Each chapter could provide a lengthy list of projects they have completed and those in progress. A few real examples would include:
- Working as a wetland restoration team along a coastal area
- Assisting with field surveys of endangered species such as the Golden-Cheeked Warbler
- Presenting interpretive programs to campers at state parks
- Performing water quality test
- Restoring a blackland prairie in a city park
- Assisting a nature center with the establishment of a herbarium
- Developing and maintaining nature trails and leading informative hikes
- Improving a wetland habitat along a river
- Assisting with a turtle patrol along a beach
- Leading a school class on a nature hike or conducting a workshop at a school
- Assisting with the Texas Horned Lizard Watch
What do Master Naturalist members say about their involvement?
“I enjoy the Texas Master Naturalist program because of the people, the knowledge and the fantastic sense of satisfaction!”
– Donna Cole, North Texas Chapter
“Being involved in the Texas Master Naturalist program satisfies my needs to volunteer, learn, and be outdoors.”
– Unknown Texas Master Naturalist Volunteer
“I enjoy the Texas Master Naturalist program because it restores my faith in humankind as well as reconnecting me to my natural world.”
– Norm McGinnis, Capital Area Chapter
“I enjoy the Texas Master Naturalist program because it proves to me over and over that each of us –even me- can make a difference and change our world for the better-especially if we all work together.”
– Teresa Lynn, Hill Country Chapter
“Through the Master Naturalist program, I have been able to meet new people with the same interests, volunteer to help reach new generations…and enjoy the natural world.”
– Unknown Texas Master Naturalist Volunteer
“There is a great diversity of people who share a common love-and I can dress ‘grubby’.”
“It helps me learn how to manage our 5 acres”.
“I learn something new every time I volunteer and work with people on the same project.”
– Donna Cole, North Texas Chapter
“Being involved in the Texas Master Naturalist program satisfies my needs to volunteer, learn, and be outdoors.”
– Unknown Texas Master Naturalist Volunteer
“I enjoy the Texas Master Naturalist program because it restores my faith in humankind as well as reconnecting me to my natural world.”
– Norm McGinnis, Capital Area Chapter
“I enjoy the Texas Master Naturalist program because it proves to me over and over that each of us –even me- can make a difference and change our world for the better-especially if we all work together.”
– Teresa Lynn, Hill Country Chapter
“Through the Master Naturalist program, I have been able to meet new people with the same interests, volunteer to help reach new generations…and enjoy the natural world.”
– Unknown Texas Master Naturalist Volunteer
“There is a great diversity of people who share a common love-and I can dress ‘grubby’.”
“It helps me learn how to manage our 5 acres”.
“I learn something new every time I volunteer and work with people on the same project.”
Want more information about the program?
Contact information for the Texas Master Naturalist Program State office can be found on our contact page: Contact Page.