This July seems like a typical Texas summer: triple digit heat, drought conditions, fire bans, and little relief in sight. Sounds like a good time to participate in Master Naturalist Projects and Training Opportunities!

I hope you are taking advantage of Dixie Camp's scheduled Chapter meetings and learning experiences. The Chapter typically has a Chapter meeting on alternate months where members can gain Advanced Training hours, but this year Dixie has added numerous additional meetings. And as you obtain training and volunteer project hours, please remember to report them via the form on our website or send to Beth Ramey directly.

Walt Krudop has spent numerous hours reviewing projects on the Volunteer Projects list for prioritization. The goal is to have a few projects that many members work on to maximize our impact on the natural resources. In addition, the public relations value of our work will increase as we show more exposure to the public.

In other areas, Betty Finley continues to review all training opportunities to insure that they meet the Master Naturalist guidelines, while Beth Ramey tracks all reported hours for those ever-present annual reports. Jean McMeans reports that the 2008 Training Class has made excellent strides in meeting all the goals needed for graduation.

I would like to point out two unsung heroes on our Board whose job is essential but receive little recognition; Treasurer Winifred Simon and Newsletter editor Richard Barnett. Both continue to do their part to make the Chapter function smoothlyÉand both have expressed their desire to turn their positions over to another member in 2009. If you have any aspirations for working with finances or editing newsletters, please let me know (or recommend a friend!). We could use some additional help on the Board.

On another topic, some folks in the Master Naturalist Program are also consultants on natural resource issues in the private sector. As with political activism, there should be no conflicts between this type of work and being a Master Naturalist unless both are promote at the same time. For example, it is in conflict with the Master Naturalist guidelines to use the Master Naturalist title to promote or advertise work as a paid consultant. Likewise, the wearing of a Master Naturalist nametag or identifying clothing while consulting or simultaneously promoting a private company is not appropriate. This leaves an impression to the public that a particular company is a sponsor of, or works in conjunction with, the Master Naturalist Program which is not the case. Please use discretion in keeping any private sector work separate from the Master Naturalist program.

Have a naturally great July.

Dale
pres at haysmn.org