Many of our Texas Master Naturalist Chapters are getting ready for a new crop of volunteers to join the TMN Program! Many spring courses have already started while fall and winter training seasons are being planned! We would like to share these classes through our statewide press channels. We encourage each chapter to utilize their local press, marketing avenues, and the handiest recruiting tool of all – word of mouth!
Our TMN state office is gathering information via a form below to post to our website and share with an agency news release announcing upcoming 2026 trainings. Please only fill out the form below if your chapter has an upcoming training that starts anytime in 2026.
Scroll down to view the chapters offering a 2026 volunteer training course. Be sure to check back regularly as new classes are added!
Texas Master Naturalist Chapters hosting 2026 volunteer training courses:
Alamo Area Chapter
Training Dates: February 29 – May 21, 2026
Time of Day: Thursday evenings
Training Location: The first, middle, and last classes in our schedule are done in person at the Phil Hardberger Park Urban Ecology Center. Classes are via Zoom on Thursday evenings from 5:00 pm sharp until 9:00 pm, with a short break for dinner. All field trips are in person and on site at the location specified for that field training. Days of field trips vary, some are weekdays and others are held on the weekends. The field trip sites are in and around San Antonio. We have 3 break weeks built into our schedule to allow time off to take a breather, and to allow time for volunteering during the Volunteer Training Program.
Class Limit: 60
Registration Fee: $200
Registration Deadline: January 16, 2026
Training Coordinator: Karen Wilson, training@alamomasternaturalist.org
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/alamo/class/
Big Country Chapter
Training Dates: August 13 – November 5, 2026
Time of Day: Thursday evenings plus 2 or 3 Saturdays
Training Location: Most classes are at the Taylor County Extension office or the Abilene State Park on Thursday evenings starting at 6pm until 9pm.. There will be 2 or 3 all-day Saturday field sessions. Those dates are still to be determined.
Class Limit: 25
Registration Fee: $150
Registration Deadline: August 7, 2026
Training Coordinator: Sam Graham, scbcgraham@yahoo.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/bc/
Blackland Prairie Chapter
Training Dates: February 4 – May 6, 2026
Time of Day: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Training Location: Science Resource Center Building, The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary; 1 Nature Place, McKinney, TX 75069
Class Limit: 45
Registration Fee: $200
Registration Deadline: October 15, 2025
Training Coordinator: Nancy Casillas, nancyc@bptmn.org
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/bptmn/
Bluestem Chapter
Training Dates: February 12, 2026 -April 23, 2026
Time of Day: Thursday 6-9 pm, some Saturday field trips 8-2
Training Location: Training locations in Grayson County will include: EBP=Eisenhower Birthplace, 609 S Lamar Ave, Denison; ESP=Eisenhower State Park, 50 Park Rd 20, Denison, TX; GCC= Grayson County Courthouse, 100 E. Houston St, Sherman; HNWR= Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge 6465 Refuge Rd, Sherman and possibly others as necessary.
Class Limit: N/A
Registration Fee: Contact training director
Registration Deadline: February 19, 2026
Training Coordinator: Shelly DeLozier, trainingclassdir@bluestemtmn.org
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/bluestem
Brazos Valley Chapter
Training Dates: August 25 – November 10, 2026
Time of Day: Tuesdays, 6:00 – 9:00pm, plus five Saturday morning field studies.
Training Location: Tuesday evening classes are held at the TAMU BRTC, Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collection, 3380 University Dr. East, College Station, TX 77845. Saturday field studies take place at various locations in Brazos County. All classes are in person.
Class Limit: 25
Registration Fee: $165 (includes textbook and first year dues)
Registration Deadline: August 18, 2026
Training Coordinator: Kimberly Roese, kimir77845@yahoo.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/brazos
Brush y Canyons Chapter
Training Dates: February 7 – May 16, 2026
Time of Day: Classes will alternate between Thursdays and Saturdays. We will meet on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 PM one week and on Saturday from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM the next week.
Training Location: Training Classes will be held at various locations throughout the Uvalde and Concan areas, including: Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Uvalde County FairPlex, Garner State Park, and various private ranches and properties in the area.
Class Limit: 35
Registration Fee: $160
Registration Deadline: February 1, 2026
Training Coordinator: Mickey Redus, rmredus@yahoo.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/brushycanyons
Capital Area Chapter
Training Dates: August – December, 2026
Time of Day: Tuesday evenings, Saturday mornings
Training Location: Lectures are held virtually, Tuesday evenings on Zoom. Field Sessions are held in-person on about 7 Saturday mornings throughout the semester.
Class Limit: 40
Registration Fee: $140
Registration Deadline: June 1-30, 2026
Training Coordinator: Devan Carter and Midge Kimble, curriculum@camn.org
Chapter Website: https://camn.org
Central Texas Chapter
Training Dates: March 19 – June 2, 2026
Time of Day: Tuesday days and 2 Saturday
Training Location: All across Bell, Coryell and McClennan counties.
Class Limit: 25
Registration Fee: $150
Registration Deadline: March 19, 2026
Training Coordinator: Lynn Fleming, lynn.fleming99@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/centraltexas/
Coastal Prairie Chapter
Training Dates: February 21 – May 2, 2026
Time of Day: Tuesdays 9AM – 12PM, Saturdays 9AM – 2PM. Some class lengths vary.
Training Location: In-person classes are at the AgriLife Extension offices in Rosenberg. Field sessions are up 45 miles from that location and include city parks, state parks, and national wildlife refuges. 7 of the total 16 classes are virtual.
Class Limit: 24
Registration Fee: $135
Registration Deadline: Until class is full; then waitlisted. Registration start date will be announced on our website.
Training Coordinator: Nathan Heilman, nathan@coastalprairie.org
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/coastal/
Cross Timbers Chapter
Training Dates: August 11 – October 24, 2026
Time of Day: Tuesday evenings, and 5 weekend day field trips.
Training Location: Fort Worth Zoo
Class Limit: N/A
Registration Fee: $150
Registration Deadline: June 20, 2026
Training Coordinator: Erika Swyryn, erika85@yahoo.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/crosstimbers/
Cypress Basin Chapter
Training Dates: August 14 – November 7, 2026
Time of Day: One Friday night and Saturday a month.
Training Location: Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Zeugner Dr, Karnack, TX 75661
Class Limit: 12
Registration Fee: $40
Registration Deadline: August 1, 2026
Training Coordinator: Caroline Hughes, cahughes9@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/cypress
East Texas Chapter
Training Dates: January 20 – May 19, 2026
Time of Day: Tuesdays 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Training Location: Tyler Nature Center, 11942 FM 848, Tyler, TX 75707
Class Limit: 25
Registration Fee: $150 including book
Registration Deadline: January 20, 2026
Training Coordinator: Kay Jenkins, kvjenkins86@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/etwd/
Elm Fork Chapter
Training Dates: August 11 – October, 2026
Time of Day: Tuesday 9:00 am – 12:30 pm & 4 Saturday Field Studies 9 am- 12:30 pm
Training Location: Global Spheres Center. 7801 S Interstate 35E, Corinth, TX 76208
Class Limit: 35
Registration Fee: $150, $275 for couples
Registration Deadline: April 24, 2026
Training Coordinator: Marissa Shaw, training@efctmn.org
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/elmfork/
Galveston Bay Area Chapter
Training Dates: February 19 – April 30, 2026
Time of Day: Thursdays, 6:00 pm (plus four Saturdays)
Training Location: Thursday evening in-person classes – Carbide Park. Saturdays – various locations including Armand Nature Center, High Island, Galveston Island State Park, among others
Class Limit: 30
Registration Fee: $175
Registration Deadline: January 29, 2026
Training Coordinator: Gene Fisseler, gfisseler@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/gbmn/
Gideon Lincecum Chapter
Training Dates: January 10 – May 16, 2026
Time of Day: Saturdays, 9:00 – 3:00pm. Mondays, 6:00-8:00pm.
Training Location: Various locations in our five county chapter area. In addition to several Saturday in-person classes and field trips, there are five virtual meetings on various Monday evenings, 6:00 – 8:00.
Class Limit: 20
Registration Fee: $200 ($375 for couples)
Registration Deadline: December 31, 2025
Training Coordinator: Connie Shortes, tmn.glc.tc@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/glc/becoming-a-master-naturalist/glc-master-naturalist-training-application/
Good Water Chapter
Training Dates: March 3 – May 19, 2026
Time of Day: Afternoon
Training Location: AG 206 – Williamson County Extension Services Building – 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, TX 78626.
Class Limit: 24
Registration Fee: $150, $120 for second in household
Registration Deadline: February 26, 2026
Training Coordinator: Mary Ann Melton, mammelton50@mac.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/goodwater/
Training Dates: September 1 – December 15, 2026
Time of Day: Tuesdays/6:00-9:00 pm
Training Location: AG 206 – Williamson County Extension Services Building – 100 Wilco Way, Georgetown, TX 78626.
Class Limit: 24
Registration Fee: $150 for one, $270 for two together in a household
Registration Deadline: August 28, 2026
Training Coordinator: Flo Ulrich, floulrich0@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/goodwater/
Gulf Coast Chapter
Training Dates: January 24 – May 19, 2026
Time of Day: Tuesday mornings
Training Location: University of Houston – Downtown. College of Science and Technology Building. Houston, Texas 77002
Class Limit: 30
Registration Fee: $200
Registration Deadline: December 23, 2025
Training Coordinator: Rebecca Lloyd, rebecca.lloyd@txgcmn.org
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/gulfcoast/
Hays County Chapter
Training Dates: January – June, 2026
Time of Day: Tuesday evenings, Saturday mornings
Training Location: Will vary around Hays County
Class Limit: 40
Registration Fee: $175
Registration Deadline: December 6, 2025
Training Coordinator: Mary O’Hara, mary.ohara@haysmn.org
Chapter Website: https://www.beautifulhayscounty.org
Heartwood Chapter
Training Dates: January 10 – June 6, 2026
Time of Day: Primarily Saturdays and a few Tues or Thurs 7-9pm Zoom sessions
Training Location: Our training class will be mostly ‘In Person’ training. The primary location will be the Texas Agrilife – Montgomery County Extension facility in Conroe. We will also have classes at other sites in the area including Mercer Gardens, Kleb Woods, etc. Additionally, there will be several field sessions at local nature areas and a few Zoom only sessions.
Class Limit: 35
Registration Fee: $175 including book, shirt, and first year dues
Registration Deadline: Dec 15, 2025, or until full
Training Coordinator: Virginia Dunn, heartwoodtraining@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/heartwood/
Highland Lakes Chapter
Training Dates: February 5 – May 7, 2026
Time of Day: Thursdays in the daytime
Training Location: Various venues throughout the Hill Country -Inks Lake State Park, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, Candlelight Ranch, Gem of the Hills, Pedernales State Park, Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery, Selah Bamberger Ranch, and Longhorn Cavern.
Class Limit: 22
Registration Fee: $200
Registration Deadline: January 2, 2026
Training Coordinator: David Tusa, txmn.highlandlakes@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://www.txmn.org/highlandlakes
Hill Country Chapter
Training Dates: March 5, 2026 – May 31, 2026
Time of Day: Thursday evenings and Saturdays
Training Location: The locations vary across our 10 county chapter. Including but not limited to locations in Kerr, Kendall, and Gillespie counties. Thursday evenings are available both in person and via Zoom. Saturdays are in person only.
Class Limit: 25
Registration Fee: $200
Registration Deadline: ASAP
Training Coordinator: Carra Milikien, newclassdirector@hillcountrytmn.org
Chapter Website: https://www.txmn.org/hillcountry
Indian Trail Chapter
Training Dates: August 11 – October 27, 2026
Time of Day: Tuesday evenings 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Training Location: First Methodist United Church, Family Life Center. 505 W Marvin Ave, Waxahachie, TX 75165.
Class Limit: 18
Registration Fee: TBD
Registration Deadline: July 15, 2026
Training Coordinator: Patricia Gifford, training@itmntx.org
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/indiantrail
Lindheimer Chapter
Training Dates: January 6 – December 1, 2026
Time of Day: Tuesdays from 6-9pm
Training Location: Comal County AgriLife Extension Classroom, 325 Resource Drive, New Braunfels, TX 78132
Class Limit: 30
Registration Fee: $175
Registration Deadline: December 2026
Training Coordinator: Amy Sharp, linheimermn.education@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/lindheimer/
Llano Estacado Chapter
Training Dates: January 17 – May 2, 2026
Time of Day: Saturday, daytime
Training Location: Midland College Marie Hall and other locations
Registration Fee: $125
Registration Deadline: January 17, 2026
Training Coordinator: llanoestacadotmn@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/llano/
Longleaf Ridge Chapter
Training Dates: February 10 – April 28, 2026
Time of Day: Tues. 5:30-8:30 PM plus Sat. field trips.
Training Location: St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 2898 US Hwy 190 West, Jasper, TX 75951
Class Limit: N/A
Registration Fee: $120
Registration Deadline: February 10, 2026
Training Coordinator: Sharon Lamoreaux, sherlmx@gmail.com
Chapter Website: http://txmn.org/llr/
Lost Pines Chapter
Training Dates: January 17 – June 6, 2026
Time of Day: Monday evenings, 6-9pm; Saturdays daytime
Training Location: Monday evening classes occur at locations in Bastrop/Lockhart area (public library, state park, community organizations), Saturday field sessions occur at various natural areas within 75 miles of Bastrop (state parks, nature centers, wildlife centers, research sites). State parks include: Bastrop, Buescher, Lockhart.
Class Limit: 25
Registration Fee: $165
Registration Deadline: December 14, 2025
Training Coordinator: Erin Stenzel, training@lostpinesmasternaturalist.org
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/lostpines/
Lower Trinity Basin Chapter
Training Dates: September 2 – November 19, 2026
Time of Day: Orientation September 2, Wednesday 6-9 pm with some Saturdays 9-1
Training Location: Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 2041 Trinity St., Liberty for class. Various locations to be announced for field trips
Class Limit: 15
Registration Fee: $140 – includes book, field trips, and first year dues
Registration Deadline: August 15, 2026
Training Coordinator: Karen Morris and Shelli Ellerbe, lltbasinnewclassdirector@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/lowertrinitybasin/
North Texas Chapter
Training Dates: January 27 – April 28, 2026
Time of Day: Tuesday evenings, 6:00-9:00pm
Training Location: Dallas College Brookhaven Campus, 3939 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch, TX 75244. 9 in-person classes and 5 virtual classes via Zoom.
Class Limit: 65
Registration Fee: $200
Registration Deadline: October 14, 2025
Training Coordinator: Erin/Charlie Mollet/Marshall, newclass@ntmn.org
Chapter Website: https://ntmn.org
Panhandle Chapter
Training Dates: February 21 – October 24, 2026
Time of Day: Saturdays
Training Location: Various locations in the Panhandle – all in person
Class Limit: 25
Registration Fee: $125
Registration Deadline: February 4, 2026
Training Coordinator: Bernice Blasingame, Bblasingame46@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/pc/
Piney Wood Lakes Chapter
Training Dates: February 4 – May 6, 2026
Time of Day: Wednesday 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Training Location: TSUS/Lamar College Campus, next door to Polk County Chamber of Commerce, 1015 US 59N Loop, Livingston, TX 77351.
Class Limit: 20
Registration Fee: $150/Individual. $255/Couples.
Registration Deadline: February 4, 2026
Training Coordinator: Tina Crichfield, PWLTMNTina@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/pineywoodlakes/
Prairie Oaks Chapter
Training Dates: January 14 – April 23, 2026
Time of Day: Wednesday nights, 5:15 – 8:15 pm
Training Location: Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX
Class Limit: N/A
Registration Fee: Individual Registration with Textbook $100/person, Couple Registration with shared Textbook $75/person, Individual Registration with borrowed Textbook $65/person. Limited quantities of the textbook are available to borrow. Financial assistance options available, with limited availability.
Registration Deadline: November 20, 2025
Training Coordinator: Karen Aho, prairieoaksmasternaturalist@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/prairieoaks
Red River Chapter
Training Dates: April 11 – May 9 and September 12 – October 3, 2026
Time of Day: Saturday, 8:30 – 2:30 for classes. Field trips are 8:30 – 12:00
Training Location: McKenzie Memorial United Methodist Church. 1809 S Donoho Street, Clarksville, TX 75426
Class Limit: 20
Registration Fee: $150/Individual. $250/Couples sharing 1 book
Registration Deadline: March 28, 2026
Training Coordinator: Phyllis Ballard, rrtmntraining@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/redriver
Rio Brazos Chapter
Training Dates: January 10 – May 30, 2026
Time of Day: Saturdays from 9:00 to 2:00pm
Training Location: Most classes are held at the Acton Nature Center and the Opal Durant Acton Community Center on Smoky Hill Court in Granbury, TX
Class Limit: 25
Registration Fee: $125
Registration Deadline: December 20, 2025
Training Coordinator: Amy Knoll, amy.r.knoll@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/rbc
Rio Grande Valley Chapter
Training Dates: January 14 – April 15, 2026
Time of Day: Class every Wednesday, Field Trips weekdays and weekends
Training Location: South Texas Ecotourism Center, (STEC), 501 W. State Highway 100, Laguna Vista, Texas
Class Limit: 30
Registration Fee: $150
Registration Deadline: December 31, 2025
Training Coordinator: Barb Peterson, bhosick@aol.com
Chapter Website: https://rgvctmn.org/14022-2/
Rolling Plains Chapter
Training Dates: March 5 – June 25, 2026
Time of Day: Thursday evening 7 p.m., 3 Saturday morning field trips
Training Location: Midwestern State University, Bolin Science Hall, 3410 Taft Blvd, Wichita Falls, TX 76308
Registration Fee: $125
Registration Deadline: March 1, 2026
Training Coordinator: Terry McKee, dgm59@aol.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/rollingplains/
Sabine-Neches Chapter
Training Dates: January 31 – June, 2026
Time of Day: Thursday evening 6:30-8:30 and Saturday morning classes
Training Location: Locations vary from classroom to field trips around the Golden Triangle.
Class Limit: 20
Registration Fee: $150
Registration Deadline: January 31, 2026
Training Coordinator: Terrie Carter, tlcarter30@aol.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/sabine/
South Plains Chapter
Training Dates: January 31 – June 13, 2026
Time of Day: Various Saturdays
Training Location: Training will primarily take place at the Lubbock Lake Landmark
Class Limit: N/A
Registration Fee: $125
Registration Deadline: January 23, 2026
Training Coordinator: Gloria Paraskeva, sptxmn@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/spc
South Texas Border Chapter
Training Dates: January 9 – March 26, 2026
Time of Day: 6:00-9:00 pm
Training Location: Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center
Class Limit: 30
Registration Fee: $150
Registration Deadline: December 15, 2025
Training Coordinator: Jim Gerry, jimgerry@gmail.com
Chapter Website: https://www.stbctmn.org/
Tierra Grande Chapter
Training Dates: August – October, 2026-2027
Time of Day: Six Saturdays, 8:00 – 4:00; 2 optional overnights
Training Location: Chihuauan Desert Nature Center; Davis Mountains State Park; Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area; The Nature Conservancy – Davis Mountains Preserve ;Dixon Water Foundation – Mimms Ranch; Balmorhea State Park or Big Bend Ranch State Park
Class Limit: 20
Registration Fee: $160 (scholarships available)
Registration Deadline: August 1, 2026
Training Coordinator: Warren Shaul, awshaul@yahoo.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/tierra/
Trans-Pecos Chapter
Training Dates: February 5 – June 4, 2026
Time of Day: Thursdays from 6pm to 9pm
Training Location: Texas A&M – El Paso County Extension Office at 301 Manny Martinez Sr. Drive, El Paso, TX 79905
Class Limit: 25
Registration Fee: $175
Registration Deadline: January 24, 2026
Training Coordinator: Rosalia Cubillos, rosaliac09@hotmail.com
Chapter Website: https://txmn.org/trans_pecos/
2026 Initial Volunteer Training Courses
Please fill out this form below to help us collect and share the upcoming basic training class information from chapters across the state. Note: trainings will no be automatically uploaded, but will be on the website within a week of your filling out the form.