Sunday, January 10, 2016

Texas Master Naturalist Spring Training

Me and Laura doing a Mussel Watch for
the Rolling Plains Texas Master
Naturalist
I have been a certified Texas Master Naturalist for several years, and love every minute. It is great to spend time with a group of people just as geeky as I am.

The next Texas Master Naturalist spring training for our Rolling Plains chapter is coming up beginning March 8. The training takes place every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 7 - 9 PM and some Saturday field trips. I will be teaching the class on birds (March 17) and taking part in the March 19 field trip.

The basic course covers the gamut from fossils, to plants, all kinds of animals, and weather. There is something of interest for anyone fascinated with nature. The mission of Texas Master Naturalist is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers who provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas.

The cost of the course is $100. It isn't necessary to get certified as a Master Naturalist in order to take the class, although we'd love to have you. Frequently, teachers take the class to broaden their own knowledge.

Want to know more? Robert Mauk at Inland Fisheries is one of the chapter advisors. Or feel free to talk to any of the Texas Master Naturalist members who will be manning the booth at the Home and Garden Show on February 27 and 28. You can also post to the open group Rolling Plains Chapter TMN Program on Facebook. You can also go their website for pictures from projects and newsletters.

Not in our area? There are several Texas Master Naturalist chapters throughout Texas. Look for one near you. Most of them have a spring training--some have a fall training as well.

Sign up soon. A minimum of 10 people are needed to offer the course. The course is limited to 20.