Become a Texas Master Naturalist

Master Naturalist Class on field trip to Hueco Tanks.

Become a Texas Master Naturalist. The program consists of one night per week class (6-9 on Wed.) with several Saturday morning field trips. Applications for the Trans-Pecos Chapter training class are now being accepted. The class begins February 13th and meets once a week on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. until late May at the El Paso Garden Center, 3105 Grant Avenue. (Map)   There are also several Saturday morning field trips. 

"This is a great way to learn more about the outdoors that we all love, while giving you a path to contribute to the future of our region," Chapter member Bob Vines tells us.

Persons interested will be trained by experts in urban ecology, geology, botany, mammology, invertebrate biology, ornithology, archaeology, soils, climate and more - all geared to our Chihuahuan Desert enviroment and eco-systems.

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.

Testing water at Ascarate Lake

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 along with just 8 hours of advanced training.

For more information, please contact:

Matthew Santillan

Texas AgriLife Extension Service
915-860-2515
msantill@ag.tamu.edu 

Or apply:  http://txmn.org/

Also visit the Trans-Pecos Master Naturalists on Facebook.

By the way, yours truly is a Texas Master Naturalist - certified - kid you not.