Sam Kieschnick, chapter advisor and TPWD District 5 urban biologist, teaches on environmental ethics.

Interested in becoming a Texas Master Naturalist with the North Texas chapter? This short video will give you great insight into this enlightening experience.

Texas Master Naturalist program is sponsored by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Learn more about the program in this terrific brief video.

Applications can be obtained at our new class page and are typically due in fall prior to the spring classes.

What Does it Entail?

Are you up to the Texas Master Naturalist challenge? Training usually begins in February and continues each Tuesday from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and continues for 13 weeks.

• 40 hours of study in online classroom sessions that will allow for student interaction — see the graphic below for specifics, or scroll down here.
• class project (5 to 10 hours between February and May)
• homework (1 to 2 hours per week)
• 3 field trips*

Within their first year, students will need to complete 40 hours of volunteer time and 8 hours of additional training.

Dana Wilson leads a student field trip on tree identification.

*Students will attend live class field trips, plus other live small-group, outdoor events: nature walks, gatherings to see Master Naturalist projects, and opportunities to earn volunteer hours—all following current health guidelines.

How to Be Selected

Competition is stiff for the 30 spots. So starting thinking about how to make your application shine. Here are some sample questions from the application to consider:

• What about the Master Naturalist program inspires your desire to apply and commitment to participate?
• How do you plan to take what you learn in the class and apply it in your local community?
• From your work, student, volunteer, and life experience, what skills, knowledge, and abilities will lead to your success as a volunteer and as a North Texas Master Naturalist?
• What is your favorite flora, fauna, or rock and why?

Priority is given to applicants who:

• Are willing and available to devote time to volunteer service or are already volunteering.
• Have a commitment to complete the rigorous coursework, homework, and field trips.
• Express a willingness to serve in leadership roles.

Please join us! Go to the new class page and follow instructions carefully. We’ll be excited to see you out helping nature.