Texas Master Naturalist program seeks applicants, sets spring training

 

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu

Contact: Mary Pearl Meuth, 979-845-7294, mpmeuth@tamu.edu

COLLEGE STATION – The Texas Master Naturalist program has announced training opportunities for those wishing to participate in the statewide program.

Twenty-three Texas Master Naturalist chapters will conduct training classes in the spring for volunteers wanting to learn about natural resource and conservation management, said the program’s assistant state coordinator.

Mary Pearl Meuth of College Station said the Texas Master Naturalist program’s 48 chapters across the state develop a corps of well-informed citizen volunteers who provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.

“The main qualification to become a certified Texas Master Naturalist is an interest in learning and playing an active part in conservation,” she said. “Volunteers will receive a minimum of 40 hours of basic training from educators and specialists from universities, natural resource agencies, nature centers and museums.”

She said the training topics will include interpretation and management of natural resources, ecological concepts, eco-regions in Texas and natural systems management.  Volunteers are expected to provide 40 hours of service a year in community education, demonstration and habitat enhancement projects in order 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. “However, many go beyond their basic requirements once involved, and are encouraged to develop personal projects connected to the mission of their respective chapter and statewide program.”

Meuth encouraged those seeking more information to watch the winning submission for the 2015 Texas Master Naturalist annual meeting video contest submitted by the North Texas Chapter in Dallas:

https://youtu.be/bPksINno0Iw

For a complete list of all the chapters providing training go to: http://www.txmn.org.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service co-sponsor the Texas Master Naturalist Program.

For more information about existing chapters or forming a new chapter contact Meuth at mpmeuth@tamu.edu or 979- 845-7294.

More information about the Texas Master Naturalist program is available at: http://txmn.org. Highlights of chapter projects, state-wide initiatives and program achievements can also be found on the Texas Master Naturalist Programs Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/TexasMasterNaturalistProgram

 

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