Texas Master Naturalists = Texas-Sized Impacts

By Mason Lee, Texas A&M WFSC '15

Everything’s bigger in Texas, including dedication to the outdoors. This passion is evident in the more than 9,000 Texas Master Naturalist volunteers (TMN) who are active in 70% of Texas counties. From constructing interpretive trails, managing exotic brush and plants, inventorying and monitoring wildlife and plant species, and restoring native habitat to educating youth groups and new landowners, this group of dedicated volunteers is truly a Texas-sized value for natural resources. In fact, since the program’s inception in 1997, TMN volunteers have enhanced 206,300+ acres, maintained 1,850 miles of trails, and taught conservation principles with an estimated value of over $47 million to Texas.

Texas Master Naturalist, Maureen, from the Indian Trail Chapter performs water quality
 tests as part of the Texas Stream Team monitoring effort

The TMN program, fostered through a partnership of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, focuses on four core areas: outreach, education, research, and stewardship. At many nature areas, TMN volunteers take on roles as docents who conduct outreach with the public. Some TMN volunteers provide mentorship for the Bobwhite Brigades and the Texas Wildlife Association L.A.N.D.S program. Many chapters provide hands-on education in elementary classrooms or have developed Junior Master Naturalist clubs for school groups.

TMN volunteers are also involved in volunteer research initiatives, such as the Texas Amphibian Watch and Texas Horned Lizard Watch, which are programs sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Some chapters, such as the Rolling Plains Chapter, participate in the Texas Quail Index (TQI). The Rolling Plains volunteers have been involved since the inception of the TQI, working in association with their county extension agent to provide important data on quail. The chapter has already performed call counts, dummy nests surveys, predator surveys, and roadside counts. The information collected from these surveys will be used to monitor the abundance of quail.

Texas Master Naturalist, Peggy, from the Cradle of Texas Chapter
teaches about sea life at the Freeport KidFest 2013

Chapters have many unique projects going on throughout the state. For instance, the Hays County Chapter worked to restore a 64 acre property into a natural area park.  The mission of the Charro Ranch Park in Dripping Springs, Texas is to “preserve, restore, educate, and promote a natural Texas Hill Country experience.” Visitors can enjoy walking, nature viewing, outdoor education, hiking, and picnicking thanks to these volunteers. Similarly, the Elm Fork Chapter has helped develop the Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center in Denton, Texas. The volunteers are committed to restoring this 2,700 acre natural area and using it as an outdoor classroom.

Heart of Texas Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists Program
at the Mother Neff State Park workday

 The efforts of the TMN volunteers do not go unnoticed. The program has received 35 state and local awards for their accomplishments, such as the Texas Environmental Excellence Award in the Civic/Community Category awarded by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, for outstanding conservation efforts. Most recently, the program received the 2014 Governor’s Volunteer Awards for Community Leadership.

Texas Master Naturalists, Paul and Charlie, received
the 2014 Texas Wildlife Association Volunteers of the Year Award

If these conservation endeavors sound enticing, now is a great time to get involved. To become a certified Texas Master Naturalist, trainees must complete 40 hours of instruction (classroom and field), 8 hours advanced training, and 40 hours of chapter-approved volunteer service. Each subsequent year, volunteers must provide 40 hours of service and complete 8 hours of advanced training. To find a chapter in your area, please visit the program website.

For current TMN volunteers, registration is now open for the 15^th Annual Meeting and Advanced Training. The event will be held October 24^th-26^th at the Mo Ranch in Hunt, Texas. Registration and additional information can be found on the event website.