Austin, Texas — Fourteen chapters of the Texas Master Naturalist program have announced training classes for volunteers wanting to help conserve our natural resources.

The Texas Master Naturalist program -- with 40 chapters -- aims to develop a corps of well-informed citizen volunteers who educate their communities about the management of natural resources.  The main qualification needed to become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist is an interest in learning and playing an active part in conservation.  Volunteers will receive about 40 hours of training from educators and specialists from places such as universities, agencies, nature centers and museums.  Training topics include interpretation and management of natural resources, ecological concepts, eco-regions of Texas and natural systems management.  Volunteers are expected to give 40 hours of service a year in community education, demonstration and habitat enhancement projects.  They are also expected to pursue a minimum of eight hours of advance training in areas of personal interest.  

Texas Master Naturalist Chapters offering volunteer training beginning in January 2010 are listed with contact information.  Enrollment is limited in most chapters.  Some chapter registration deadlines may have passed but you may contact the chapter to see if seating is still available.

--Amarillo--Panhandle Chapter.  Training begins February 13.  For more information, phone 806-367-0648 or email: sec@pctmn.org

--Bastrop--Lost Pines Chapter.  Training begins on January 25 with complete details at the website: www.lostpinesmasternaturalist.org

--Brenham--Gideon Lincecum Chapter.  Class begins February 6 at the Winedale Historical Center.  Details are available from Judith_deaton@yahoo.com or call 936-878-9900.

--Burnet--Highland Lakes Chapter.  Classes begin March 4 and registration is due by December 31, 2009.  For information phone 325-379-1455 or email: drrayb@tstar.net

--Conroe--Heartwood Chapter.  Training begins on March 27 and applications are due no later than March 15.  Details are available at 832-381-6921 or email: training@heartwoodtmn.org

--Dallas--North Texas Chapter.  The chapter will host an open house for applicants on January 12.  The application deadline is January 22 and classes begin February 16.  Information is available at education@ntmn.org.

--Jefferson--Cypress Basin Chapter.  Class begins on January 22.
Details are available on the chapter's website: http://grovesite.com/tmn/cbc or contact bgmorgan46@yahoo.com.  Deadline for registration is January 5.

--McKinney--Blackland Prairie Chapter.  The chapter will host an open house on January 12 at the Heard Museum.  Registration is due by February 1.  Class begins on February 10.  Details are available at 972-248-6283 or email svevans@sbcglobal.net

--Rockport--Mid-Coast Chapter.  Class begins on February 13 and registration is needed by December 15, 2009.  Information is available at 361-578-3893 or email lynne.hughes@visd.com

--San Antonio--Alamo Area Chapter.  Classes start February 25 and applications are due by February 9.  For information phone 210-764-1921 or email: pball12@satx.rr.com  

--San Benito--Rio Grande Valley Chapter.  Registration is due January 6 for the class that begins on January 13.  Details are available at www.rgvctmn.org or call 956-455-9204.

--Tyler--East Texas Chapter.  Class begins on January 12 and your registration is needed by January 8.  More information is available at irene.hamel@tpwd.state.tx.us or telephone 903-566-9394.

--Waco--Heart of Texas Chapter. Plans are currently being made to host an orientation program at the Lake Waco Wetlands on January 14.  Information and details are available from meganmi@ci.waco.tx.us

--Wichita Falls--Rolling Plains Chapter.  Class begins on March 23 and registration is needed by March 16.  Details available by calling 940-766-2383 or email: mark.howell@tpwd.state.tx.us

Rio Brazos Master Naturalist Training 2010 Training Class starts May 8 2010 After the registration deadline of April 10, 2010, call to confirm class availability. Contact - Robert Theimer 817-641-2457 Go to riobrazosmn.org for more information.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas Cooperative Extension co-sponsor the Texas Master Naturalist Program statewide.  For more information about existing chapters or forming a new chapter contact Sonny Arnold, Assistant Program Coordinator, 111Nagle Hall, 2258, TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2258, call (979)458-1099 or Email: sarnold@ag.tamu.edu.