Elise Spain
Texas Master Naturalist-Elm Fork Chapter, serving Denton, Wise, and Cooke counties, has opened registration for the 2021 fall training class. Individuals can learn more about the organization and download the training application by visiting the Elm Fork Chapter website at www.txmn.org/elmfork. Registration for this year will close at the end of April.
The 12-week training class will be Aug. 17 through Nov. 2, in Denton, with six hours of study on Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each classroom session focuses on a unit from the Texas Master Naturalist textbook produced by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, provided to each class member. The course also includes field trips during some classes. Training topics include ecological regions of Texas, geology and soils of Texas, native plants, ornithology, herpetology, Texas water resources, and much more, taught by experts from these fields.
The $150 course registration fee includes all materials and instruction, as well as first year membership in the Elm Fork Chapter. Payment must be made at the time the application is submitted. Once submitted, each application is reviewed. Applicants will be notified upon acceptance into the training course.
In addition to training hours, service hours are required to become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist. Service hours are earned by participating in approved Chapter projects in activities that range from the strenuous, such as clearing trails, leading hikes, and planting trees and native grasses, to less strenuous service such as assisting in indoor interpretive settings. Overall, there are many ways to serve.
The mission of the Texas Master Naturalist program is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service, dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas.
Texas Master Naturalist-Elm Fork Chapter is one of nearly 50 chapters across the state. Formed in 1999, the chapter has grown to 200 active members. Information about monthly meetings and community service projects is posted on the Chapter’s webpage at www.txmn.org/elmfork.
The Texas Master Naturalist program is supported by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Texas Parks and Wildlife. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension is an equal opportunity employer and program provider. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating. We will seek to provide reasonable accommodation for all persons with disabilities for this program. We ask that you notify the Denton County AgriLife Extension Office of the auxiliary aid or service that will be required.