Master Naturalist Program Seeks Applicants

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AUSTIN, Texas – Several chapters of the Texas Master Naturalist program are accepting applications for spring classes for those wanting to volunteer to help conserve the state’s natural resources.

The Texas Master Naturalist program – with 28 chapters and three more in the works – aims to develop a corps of well-informed citizen volunteers who educate their communities about the management of natural resources. The main qualification needed to become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist is an interest in learning and playing an active part in conservation and education through volunteerism.

Volunteers receive about 40 hours of training from educators and specialists from places such as universities, agencies, nature centers and museums. Training topics include interpretation, and management of natural resources, ecological concepts, eco-regions of Texas and natural systems management. Volunteers are expected to give 40 hours of service a year in community education, demonstration and habitat enhancement projects. They are also expected to pursue a minimum of eight hours of advanced training in areas they are interested in. Texas Master Naturalist Chapters in the following areas still have available volunteer training space this spring with application deadlines throughout February and March:

Galveston— Galveston Bay Area Chapter. Application deadline is Feb. 26 and training begins Feb. 26. For more information/application, e-mail: jk-massey@tamu.edu, or visit (http://gbamasternaturalist.org/)

Houston— Gulf Coast Chapter. Application deadline is Feb. 17 and training begins March 2. For more information/application, phone (281) 855-5600 or e-mail: gcmn@tamu.edu, or visit (http://gcmn.tamu.edu)

San Antonio— Alamo Area Chapter. Application deadline is Feb. 27 and training begins March 18. For more information/application, phone (210) 698-2397 or visit (http://www.AlamoMasterNaturalist.org/)

Waco — Heart of Texas Chapter. Application deadline is Feb. 27 and training begins March 27. For more information/application, phone (979) 458-2034.

Wichita Falls – Rolling Plains Chapter. Application deadline is March 19 and training begins March 23. For more information/application, phone (940) 716-5580 or (940) 766-2383 or e-mail: s-chaney@tamu.edu,or tpwdif2f@wf.net

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas Cooperative Extension co-sponsor the Texas Master Naturalist program statewide. For more information on existing or developing chapters and fall training opportunities contact Michelle Haggerty, Texas Master Naturalist Program Coordinator, 111 Nagle Hall, 2258 TAMUS, College Station, TX 77843-2258, call (979) 458-2034, or e-mail mhaggerty@wfscgate.tamu.edu or visit (http://masternaturalist.tamu.edu/)