Texas Master Naturalist program hires program support specialist
Hannah Ferguson aims to connect and empower statewide chapters
Texas Master Naturalist Program volunteers have a new resource as they work to advance conservation and natural resource stewardship in Texas.
Hannah Ferguson, who recently joined Texas Master Naturalist as a program support specialist, will provide a direct link between program leadership and the 49 Master Naturalist chapters that serve 213 counties across the state.
“I’m very excited to be working with the Texas Master Naturalist Program,” Ferguson said. “I have seen firsthand the amazing work they do in their communities, and I am excited to be a part of it.”
Ferguson will assist Master Naturalist chapters with questions related to training resources, branding and other communications. She will also develop training materials, program templates and additional communication products and be responsible for maintaining the program’s website and social media channels.
“Hannah is our chapter-to-state communications lead,” said Mary Pearl Meuth, Texas Master Naturalist assistant state coordinator with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Bryan-College Station. “Her expertise will be invaluable as we work to better serve our volunteers and expand our impact.”
Legacy of community-based service
Established in 1998 as a partnership between AgriLife Extension and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Master Naturalist Program works to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers who provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of Texas’ natural resources and natural areas within their local communities.
Last year, the program celebrated its 25th anniversary with a total of 6.787 million service hours and an economic impact of more than $215 million.
Ferguson said she hopes to build relationships across all chapters and provide them with the resources needed to continue this meaningful work.
Ferguson holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications and journalism from Texas A&M University and a master’s degree in agricultural and extension education, communications, and leadership from the University of Arkansas.