We appreciate your interest in the Texas Master Naturalist Program. Our mission is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers who provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas. The North Texas Chapter primarily serves Dallas, Rockwall, and Kaufman counties. The Texas Master Naturalist website provides a map and links for chapters across the state.
How do I become a certified Master Naturalist?
- Submit the application for the class and pass the mandatory background check to be accepted into the program. The minimum age for participation in the Texas Master Naturalist program is 18.
- Complete the training program: 40 classroom hours, 3 field trips (1 each for Aquatic, Prairie, and Forest ecosystems), homework, and class project.
- Obtain a minimum of 8 hours of approved advanced training.
- Complete a minimum of 40 hours of chapter approved volunteer service.
Master Naturalists maintain certification each year by completing 8 hours of advanced training and 40 hours of volunteer service.
What does the training program cover?
The class provides volunteers with a broad naturalist education: ecological concepts, ecosystems and natural history; human impact on nature; and awareness of ethics, value judgment, and citizen science. Instructors are local experts in the natural resources community from universities, state and federal agencies, and nature centers.
Applications for the 2020 class will open on October 1, 2019. Please visit this page again for details on class session dates and location.
Preference will be given to applicants who express a commitment to stewardship of our natural resources; a willingness and availability to contribute time to volunteer service; and a desire to complete the coursework, homework, and field trips.
Cost
The registration for the 2020 class is $210.00, which includes initial membership payment, textbook, and other supplies.
Class Topics:
Ecological Concepts
Ecological Regions of Texas
Ecosystem Management
Forest Ecosystems
Prairie Ecosystems
Aquatic Ecosystems
Urban Ecosystems
Geology
Effects of Weather and Climate
Taxonomy
Botany
Entomology
Herpetology
Ichthyology
Mammalogy
Ornithology
Citizen Science
Laws, Regulations, and Ethics
FIELD TRIPS: Each Trainee must attend one field trip in each category.
Possible locations include:
Prairie Systems
- Cedar Hill State Park
- Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Area (LLELA)
- Clymer Meadow
Wetlands/Aquatic Systems
- John Bunker Sands Wetlands (JBS)
- Trinity River Audubon Center (TRAC)
Forest/Trees
- Trinity River Audubon Center (TRAC)
- Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information on joining the North Texas Master Naturalist chapter, contact:
Nancy Wilson and Scott Hudson, New Class Directors 2020
newclass@ntmn.org
Bruce Stewart, President
president@ntmn.org