Hays County Master Naturalists
Hays County is one of the oldest chapters of the Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) program, a statewide organization sponsored jointly by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. This program provides training and volunteer opportunities to individuals who desire to learn about and promote the preservation, protection, sustainable use, and maintenance of our natural resources and who afterward continue serving as volunteers in such endeavors. Our citizen scientists are crucial for implementing education programs, for enhancing parks and natural areas, and for collaborating with local conservation efforts.
Master Naturalists are trained to be stewards of the natural environment and are expected to model and teach these practices to others. Application to the TMN program is open to all individuals over 18 and does not discriminate based on socioeconomic status, race, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability. All applicants must agree to a photo and liability waiver in addition to a mandatory TPWD background check.
Become a Hays County Master Naturalist
The Hays County Master Naturalist (HCMN) training program is offered twice annually. The Spring session begins in mid-January until mid-June, Fall session runs from July to December. Applications are only available online the first Saturdays of December/April and are accepted in accordance with the date/time the form is submitted, with an application fee. Please submit your name and email to the sign-up list below in order to be notified when applications will go live on our website. Class size is limited and in-person training occurs on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings at various locations throughout Hays County. In addition to classroom time, there are private property site visits and local field trips. Only two absences are permitted for make-up during one session.
Per State standards, trainees accepted into the program are required to attend a minimum of 40 hours of initial training through classes and site visits to graduate; certification as a Master Naturalist requires an additional 40 hours of volunteer work and 8 hours of advanced training. Upon completion, to maintain active membership, you must pay annual dues and continue your volunteer work and education.
Before applying, please review and ensure that you will abide by the TMN Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct.
The Spring 2024 Class is full
Next open registration is June 1, 2024. Sign up to be on our mailing list and you will be notified when applications are opened. Until then, follow our adventures on The Hays Humm.