Overview

The Hays County chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist^™ program is dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within our communities through the formation of a corps of trained volunteers. To achieve these goals, the Hays County Master Naturalist (HCMN) chapter provides training and volunteer opportunities to individuals who wish to learn about and promote the sustainable use, conservation, and maintenance of our natural resources and who afterward are willing to continue serving as volunteers in such endeavors. The program is presented through a collaborative effort of professionals from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and other organizations, as well as past students of the Master Naturalist Program. HCMN is a chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program, a statewide organization sponsored jointly by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

To gain the designation of a Master Naturalist, you must participate in an approved chapter training program with a minimum of 40 hours of combined field and classroom instruction, obtain 8 contact hours of approved advanced training, and complete 40 hours of volunteer service. Upon starting the initial training program, you have a maximum of one year in which to complete their 40 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of advanced training. To retain the Texas Master Naturalist title during each subsequent year, volunteers must complete 8 additional hours of advanced training and provide an additional 40 hours of volunteer service.