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.

Classes will be held each Tuesday evenings February 4, 2020 through the beginning of May and on three weekends during that timeframe.  Tuesday evening class meets from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.; weekend field trips day and time will vary. The classroom and field trip locations will be announced in October. One absence allowed.  Make up options for some topics are available from surrounding chapters. 

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