Apply Today for Master Naturalist Training

TIME GROWS SHORT TO APPLY FOR 2012 TEXAS MASTER NATURALISTS TRAINING

EL PASO, TEXAS, February 6, 2012 – The 14-week annual training program to become a Texas Master Naturalist begins February 22, 2012. Persons interested will be trained by experts in urban ecology, geology, botany, mammology, invertebrate biology, ornithology, archaeology, soils, climate and more. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the El Paso Garden Center, 3105 Grant Avenue. (Map)   There are also several Saturday morning field trips.

Time is short but applications are still being taken.  To apply for this year’s class you can call the AgriLife Extension office at 915-851-2515 or apply online: http://txmn.org/apply/.  The cost of the program is $125 to cover books and publications.  

The Trans-Pecos Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists is dedicated to protecting and preserving what makes West Texas so special – our mountains and desert and the abundant animal and plant life.

The Texas program of Master Naturalists is the highest rated naturalist program in the United States.  It consists entirely of volunteers who help park rangers and other professionals protect and show off our unique part of the world.  Almost everywhere there is a local outdoor event, you will find a Master Naturalist giving interpretive nature talks, leading hikes, clearing the trails or just making sure that the gate is open.

Texas Master Naturalists annually contribute more than 20,000 volunteer hours to the state.  The program is jointly sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. 

Becoming a Naturalist involves participating in the annual training program and then agreeing to commit 40 hours per year doing things that suit one’s skills and passion. 

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