TEXAS MASTER NATURALISTÔ PROGRAM

This program is a collaborative effort of professionals from Texas Cooperative Extension and Texas Parks and Wildlife

Dear Texas Master Naturalist Program Applicant:

We would like to invite you to become involved in a new and exciting program for the Valley area - the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist Program.  The mission of this program is to develop and certify a group of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated toward the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within our community.

This program will furnish participants with essential information and strategies to restore and conserve our indigenous species and habitats.  Throughout the training classes, LOCAL experts will cover interesting topics about our natural resources and will lead hands-on field trips to local ecosystems.  Texas Master Naturalist trainees may select from a wide variety of approved local projects to volunteer their time.  Projects may include habitat restoration, native plant rescues, prairie seed collection, school habitats, educational presentations, or projects of your own design.

To become Certified Texas Master Naturalists of the Rio Grande Valley Chapter, trainees must fulfill the following requirements:

  • §         Attend all training classes, including field trips (40 hours total).

  • §         Provide 40 hours minimum of volunteer service on approved projects within a year.

  • §         Take 8 hours minimum of advanced training in approved activities within a year.

To maintain active status, Texas Master Naturalists must complete the following annually:

  • §         40 hours of volunteer service on approved projects.

  • §         8 hours of advanced training in approved classes.

Text Box: Training classes will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. every WEDNESDAY of the week, starting February 16, 2005, and ending April 20, 2005.  The classes will be held in Harlingen, Texas at the Harlingen Chamber of Commerce Building   Text Box: Training classes will be held from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. every THURSDAY of the week, starting February 10, 2005, and ending April 21, 2005.  The classes will be held in Edinburg, Texas (World Birding Center).

 

 

  

 

You must choose which session you will attend.  The fee for this training is $100.   Please check your calendar dates during this ten-week period for availability to attend all training classes. Class size is limited to 25 students for this enrollment period.  Selection criteria include: interest in the program, availability for volunteer service, and commitment to stewardship of our natural resources.

Completed application form must be postmarked by  January 22, 2005.  Training fee must be included with your application.  Make check payable to “RGVCTMN” and mail to RGVCTMN, P.O. Box 532129, Harlingen, TX 78553. See application form for full details.

Click here for the application form.

For more information email Frank Wiseman at rgvctmn@aol.com  or jesus.franco@tpwd.state.tx.us, or call 956-364-1410.

We look forward to your participation in this educational and beneficial volunteer program.

To find out more about our organization, please go to our website.