What is a Master Naturalist?
A Texas Master Naturalist is someone who is passionate about the preservation, restoration and conservation of natural resources and is eager to share his or her knowledge and experiences with others.
Historically, the Natural Initiatives Program Group, the San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department, and the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department had designed and developed an educational program to improve the understanding and management of natural resources in urban areas. The mission of the program was to train volunteers to work within their communities.
The Texas Master Naturalist Program grew into the statewide natural resource-based volunteer training and development program sponsored by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the Texas AgriLife Extension. In addition to our official sponsors, our Alamo Area Master Naturalist Chapter partners locally with the San Antonio Parks & Recreation Department and the Texas Forest Service.
Interestingly enough, the Alamo Area Master Naturalist Chapter is the founding chapter in the entire Master Naturalist Program; not just here in Texas, but also nationwide.
How do I become a Master Naturalist?
To start with, participants must complete the Texas Master Naturalist Program consisting of a 40+ hour training course and complete a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service and 8 hours of advanced training during your first 12 months. Training courses are held in the spring and the fall of each year and average about 30 students. The course includes presentations by biologists, geologists, naturalists, and others from local, state, and federal agencies and universities.
To learn more and for additional information, please visit Alamo Area Chapter – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Parks & Wildlife
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We are also ready to do everything for the protection of natural resources.