Texas Master Naturalist training signup through Aug. 8

A new certification course for the Texas Master Naturalist Panhandle Chapter will launch training Aug. 20, with signup ending on Aug. 8.

The course is an opportunity to participate in a learning experience, join in fun and fellowship and become acquainted with a cadre of gifted volunteers who have vast knowledge of natural resources of the Panhandle region.

Enrollment in the training is priced at $95, incuding chapter dues and books utilized in the training. Applications are being accepted online through Aug. 8. For more information and application, contact Melissa Shaver at mitbse@yahoo.com or call 806-290-2222.

A full array of approximately 55 hours of training is on tap with the initial session tentatively scheduled for Aug. 20 with Orientation, VMS, Entomology at the Potter County AgriLife Building from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Other sessions also tentatively scheduled include Aug. 27, Ornithology, Interpretation, Volunteers as Teachers, 7:30 am – 2:30 pm; Sept. 10, Rangeland and Wildlife Management at Canoncita, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.; Sept. 17, Ichthyology, Herpetology at Amarillo College, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Sept. 24, Citizen Scientist – iNaturalist/BioBlitz, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Oct. 1, Weather, Mammalogy at Amarillo College, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Oct. 15, Archaeology at Alibates Flint Quarry, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; and Oct. 22, Historical Naturalists at Charles Goodnight House, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The scope of training will touch on habitat, conservation, animals, water resources, plants, history, birds and insects and allow trainees to connect with scientists and nature experts, according to Melissa Shaver, Panhandle Chapter training coordinator.

Panhandle Chapter members have the opportunity to volunteer at Palo Duro Canyon and Caprock Canyons state parks, the Alibates Monument, area nature centers, museums, Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and in activities for school children.

Master Naturalist Trainees must successfully complete an approved training program with at least 40 hours of combined field and classroom instruction though a Texas Master Naturalist Chapter. In addition to classes and field trips, trainees for the Panhandle Chapter are required to complete 40 hours of approved volunteer service and eight hours of approved advanced training by Aug. 31, 2023.

In subsequent years, the candidate must complete another eight hours of advanced training and donate 40 hours of volunteer service to maintain their certification (or to re-certify) as a Texas Master Naturalist.

The Texas Master Naturalist Program’s mission is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas.