For National Volunteer Month 2025, we are celebrating our amazing volunteers by highlighting a few individual Texas Master Naturalist stories from across Texas! These are just a few of the fantastic stories from our volunteers. THANK YOU to these four individuals and all of our volunteers who are making a difference throughout the state! To see more about National Volunteer Month 2025, visit this blog post.
Meet Mallory Sanchez! Mallory found the TMN Program when she was exploring ways to learn more about nature in her area, and became a member of the Llano Estacado Chapter in 2024. We asked her a few questions about her journey!
Q: What made you want to become a Texas Master Naturalist?
A: Two books turned the tide for me: The Comfort of Crows by Margaret Renal and The Milkweed Lands by Eric Lee-Mäder. They both encouraged me to think about the nature around me differently. The TMN Program was an affordable way to learn from experts, meet like-minded people, and volunteer in my community.
Q: What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned since joining the TMN Program?
A: The coolest thing I learned is that there are green bees! I have learned that most native bees are solitary and can be of different colors, shapes, and sizes. I have been adding lots more native plants in my yard to support my favorite pollinators!
Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining the TMN Program?
A: Even if you work full-time or have family responsibilities, there are still ways to make it work! The first year can be daunting because of the initial training and volunteer hours, but it is well worth it! Check with your local chapter because there are often opportunities to participate on the weekends or virtually.
Q: Why do you volunteer?
A: I volunteer because I can have a direct impact on supporting and preserving the nature in my community and the state.
Meet Ken Lee! Ken found the TMN Program when a neighbor told him about Texas Master Gardeners and, after some investigation, he found the TMN Program and thought it would be the perfect fit. He became a member of the Rio Grande Valley Chapter in 2025 and is about to complete his initial volunteer training. We asked he a few questions about his journey!
Q: What made you want to become a Texas Master Naturalist?
A: I have always been interested in science and nature. Since I am new to the area, I wanted to learn more about the flora and fauna of the Rio Grande Valley.
Q: What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned since joining the TMN Program?
A: How to help protect our endangered species, such as sea turtles and ocelots.
Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining the TMN Program?
A: This class has surpassed all of my expectations. Not only have I learned a lot I have also visited new places and made new friends.
Q: Why do you volunteer?
A: I volunteer because I firmly believe that our volunteer efforts make a huge difference to help protect our environment and endangered wildlife. Educating the public is a big part of our mission, and in my opinion, it is critical to our success.
Meet Nate Williamson! Nate found the TMN Program when he worked alongside Master Naturalists when volunteering at Berry Springs Park and Preserve, and became a member of the Good Water Chapter in 2024. We asked him a few questions about his journey!
Q: What made you want to become a Texas Master Naturalist?
A: I have always loved the outdoors and, after my time in various parks systems came to an end, I wanted to remain a responsible steward of the land and use my abilities and knowledge to help others enjoy the outdoors like I do.
Q: What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned since joining the TMN Program?
A: I have learned all kinds of awesome things, but my favorite fun fact was learning during our initial training that there were dinosaur tracks just down the street from my house!
Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining the TMN Program?
A: To me, life is about experiencing new things. Whether you’re a long-time outdoorsman, or are just trying to get outside more, you’ll find your niche, your people, and your new experiences in TMN.
Q: Why do you volunteer?
A: I volunteer because I believe our parks, preserves, and ecosystems deserve protection, and I want to help others enjoy and connect with them more meaningfully.
Meet Marissa Shaw! Marissa found the TMN Program when attending the Lake Ray Roberts State Park (Isle du Bois) Career Day, and became a member of the Elm Fork Chapter in 2023. We asked her a few questions about her journey!
Q: What made you want to become a Texas Master Naturalist?
A: I am a passionate advocate of Nature and our Earth. My desire to learn and apply the lessons learned; to make a difference and share it with others.
Q: What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned since joining the TMN Program?
A: That everything is connected, and everyone can make a difference in our world. Seeing a child’s (and adult’s) eyes open with the majesty and wonder of nature, learning to respect it and see the impact they can make.
Q: What would you say to someone who is thinking about joining the TMN Program?
A: DO IT! It is never too late. You can make a difference. There are many opportunities to serve in a variety of environments (inside and out). I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Q: Why do you volunteer?
A: I volunteer because I love being in nature, learning and working with a team of like-minded people, serving for a greater purpose.
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