Thank you for your interest in the Texas Master Naturalist Program. Through the Texas Master Naturalist Volunteer Program, you can help children and adults in your community learn about Texas' natural resources, inspire them to a new appreciation of their environment, and ensure that others will be able to enjoy the natural Texas for years to come.

The Master Naturalist concept began with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Urban Biologist in San Antonio, then in Dallas and Fort Worth with efforts directed towards home and landowners changing the face of our land through good or bad management decisions. As our population increases and rural land is developed, new landowners make decisions that can affect water quality and quantity, wildlife habitat, all types of pollution, soil erosion, livestock health and well-being and other land-owners enjoyment of living in the country.

In the Texas Master Naturalist Program, you will enhance your love of nature with research-based, scientific knowledge. You will receive in-depth training in wildlife and natural resource management taught by recognized experts in the field. The training is customized to focus on the native ecosystem of Hays County. You will also have the opportunity for advanced training in special subjects that interest you.

In return, as a Texas Master Naturalist you will join a corps of volunteers to provide your community with service in the form of educational activities, projects or demonstrations, or you might make presentations to community organizations. You might work with small landowners, helping them with good natural resource stewardship. The possibilities are endless, limited only by your imagination!

Details for 2008 program:

Application deadline is January 31, 2008
Applicants will be notified by February 9, 2008

Classes begin Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Ending date October 24, 2008

Cost:
      Tuition, Textbook, materials and meals                               $ 160.00
      (This may be paid in one payment at the first meeting or
      in two payments - $80 at first meeting and $80 at the June meeting.)

Introductory class will be held February 19, 2008, from 6-9:30, in the classroom at the Hays County Extension building, 1253 Civic Center Loop in San Marcos. Additional classes will be held at various locations throughout Hays County. There will also be classes at Freeman Ranch, Knox Ranch, and Aquarena Center as well as site visits to personal property and field trips. Two of the classes will be held on Saturday, with the remaining classes held on Tuesdays. A detailed class schedule and program description will be provided at the first class.

Application forms (pdf) can be downloaded, completed and mailed to the Hays County Extension Office at 1253 Civic Center Loop, San Marcos, TX 78666, or faxed to 512-393-2136.

For additional information, contact me at 512-393-2136 or e-mail the Training Coordinator, Jean McMeans at trainingcom at haysmn.org.

Again, thank you for your interest.

Sincerely,
Bryan Davis
Hays County Extension Agent
Agriculture and Natural Resources