Indian Trail Master Naturalists presents "Become a Master Naturalist" training program
Apr. 15—The goal of the Texas Master Naturalist program is to develop and deploy a knowledgeable corps of trained volunteers, to increase public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of our natural resources, and to promote the principles of responsible and sustainable natural resource management through active citizen participation. The Texas Master Naturalists Program is jointly funded and administered by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services. Indian Trail Master Naturalists serve Ellis and Navarro Counties.
This course provides a conceptual understanding of our natural systems and the detrimental, long-term consequences of imbalances and faulty management. It also includes essential information and strategies to restore, regenerate, nurture, and conserve our indigenous plant species and animal habitats. The program enhances your love of nature with research-based scientific knowledge. Volunteers will receive training in wildlife and natural resource management taught by local experts in the field and customized to focus on the native ecosystems of North Central Texas — Ellis and Navarro Counties specifically. Volunteers will also have the opportunity for advanced training in specialized subjects of interest.
Our Citizen Scientists provide our communities with at least 40 hours of volunteer services per year in the form of educational activities directed toward the public, as well as many other services, for example, identifying and tracking animal and plant species for use by the scientific communities, monitoring fresh water quality in our lakes, rivers, and streams, and maintaining natural areas around our service area.
The Training Program tuition is $150, including the textbook. Classes will take place weekly in Waxahachie from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., beginning August 13 and ending Tuesday, October 29, 2024. All classes will take place on Tuesday evenings. The course also includes three Saturday morning field trips.
To learn more about the program and to apply visit https:// txmn.org/indiantrail/about/become-a-master-naturalist.
