Texas Master Naturalist spring training sessions announced
Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, [email protected]
Contact: Mary Pearl Meuth, 979-845-7294, [email protected]
COLLEGE STATION – The Texas Master Naturalist Program, affiliated with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, has scheduled next year’s spring volunteer training classes, said the program’s assistant state coordinator at College Station.
“The training classes will be conducted by 26 of the program’s chapters across the state for volunteers wanting to learn about natural resource and conservation management,” said Mary Pearl Meuth. “The Texas Master Naturalist program has 48 chapters located across Texas whose aim is to develop a corps of well-informed citizen volunteers, provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the state of Texas.”
Chapters hosting spring training classes are listed at: http://www.txmn.org.
Meuth said the main qualification needed to become a certified Texas Master Naturalist is an interest in learning and playing an active part in conservation. Volunteers will receive at least 40 hours of basic training from educators and specialists from universities, natural resource agencies, nature centers and museums.
The training topics include interpretation and management of natural resources, ecological concepts, ecoregions in Texas and natural systems management. Volunteers are then asked to provide 40 hours of service a year in community education, demonstration and habitat enhancement projects to maintain certification as a Texas Master Naturalist.
“They are also expected to pursue a minimum of eight hours of advanced training in areas of personal interest,” she said. “Many though, will go above and beyond their basic requirements once involved. We encourage volunteers to develop personal projects connected to the mission of the chapter and statewide program.”
Meuth said enrollment is limited in most instances, so chapters should be contacted as soon as possible for seating availability.
