Who can join?

The Mid-Coast Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist Program welcomes anyone passionate about nature and conservation!

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, our programs and activities are open to all qualifying individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or socioeconomic status.

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To become a certified Texas Master Naturalist through our chapter, you'll need to complete our training classes and meet volunteer requirements. Due to limited class size (typically 15 spots) and our focus on serving the Mid-Coast region, we prioritize applications in the following order to ensure high-quality training and strong local impact:

1. Applicants from the Mid-Coast area who were deferred from the previous year's class

2. Former chapter members needing to retake training

3. Residents of our primary service counties: Matagorda, Jackson, Victoria, Calhoun, Refugio, Aransas, Goliad, and San Patricio

4. Other applicants deferred from the previous year's class

5. Applicants from adjacent counties without a Texas Master Naturalist chapter

6. Applicants from nearby counties with an existing chapter

7. Applicants from other areas of Texas

We encourage applications from everyone—if your priority category fills up, you may be deferred to the next class with preference. Contact us for more details or to express interest.

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How do I join?

We're excited you're interested in becoming a Texas Master Naturalist with the Mid-Coast Chapter. Joining starts with applying for our annual training class, which provides the foundational knowledge and skills you'll need.

 

Step 1: Submit Your Application. You can easily apply online using any computer, tablet, or smartphone. Here is a link to learn more information about the process and submit: New Master Naturalist Training 

Once we receive your application, our Membership or Training Director will contact you promptly to discuss next steps, answer questions, and confirm your spot (based on our priority guidelines and class availability).

 

Step 2:  Pay the Training Fee. Detailed instructions for submitting the application fee (which covers training materials, manual, supplies, and more) are included directly on the application form.  

 

Class sizes are limited to ensure hands-on, high-quality training, so we recommend applying early—especially if you're in our primary service area. If the current class is full, you may be deferred with priority for the next one.

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Have questions? Feel free to reach out to our Initial Training Director or attend a chapter meeting to learn more!

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Who can I talk to if I have questions?

Contact us!

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How much does it cost?

Initial Training Fee (one-time, includes first-year dues): $150 per person

This covers:

• Mid-Coast Chapter training manual

• Required textbooks and reference books

• Classroom supplies and handouts

• Boat transportation to field sites (when required)

Fees are reviewed annually to reflect actual costs.

 

Annual Dues (starting in your second year, due January):

• $15 per person

• $25 per couple (same household)

These dues support chapter operations, projects, and ongoing education.

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Who sponsors this organization?

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

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What is required of a Certified Texas Master Naturalist?

To become certified (typically within one year after completing initial training):

• Finish ~40 hours of chapter-provided training (classroom + field) on local ecosystems and natural resource management.

• Complete 40 hours of approved volunteer service (e.g., education, habitat restoration, citizen science).

• Earn 8 hours of approved advanced training.

 

To maintain annual recertification:

• 40 hours of volunteer service.

• 8 hours of advanced training.

 

These commitments support our mission of education, outreach, and stewardship of Texas natural resources. Many members exceed the minimums!

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What does Certification mean?

Becoming a Certified Texas Master Naturalist recognizes your ongoing commitment to stewardship, education, and conservation of Texas' natural resources. Many members earn milestone pins (e.g., dragonfly for initial, yearly designs for recertification) and most far exceed the minimums!  

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What is the initial Mid-Coast TMN training like?

See the current New-Member Training schedule for details (typically February–May, with virtual evening sessions and Saturday field days).

 

Each session combines classroom instruction and hands-on field experiences—the field portion is required and cannot be skipped or completed by someone else.

Physical demands may include:

• Walking up to 2 miles

• Wading in wetlands

• Bending/kneeling

• Getting in/out of small boats

Expect variable weather (cold/hot, dry/wet).

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If health concerns may limit participation, contact the Initial Training Director early to discuss accommodations. Trainees are responsible for any special arrangements, subject to approval by the Education & Training Committee.

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What should I bring to training sessions?

Classroom Portion – Consists of online Zoom classes.  Members-in-training are inundated with information.

Have with you:

• The TMN binder you will be given at the first session

• Equipment for taking notes

Fieldtrip portion – use your judgment to vary this list based on specific location and time of year:

• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent

• Hat, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, sturdy walking shoes (pants and shoes may get wet)

• Field notebook provided at Orientation

Nice to have – If you can manage without difficulty:

• Binoculars

• Your favorite field guide

• Camera​

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What kinds of volunteer activities can I do as a Texas Master Naturalist?

Mid-Coast Chapter members contribute 40+ hours annually to projects that educate the public and steward our coastal ecosystems. Opportunities focus on community outreach, habitat restoration, citizen science, and direct resource management—often with partners like Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Mad Island Marsh Preserve, Texas Zoo, Texas State Aquarium, and Wings Rescue Center.

Popular activities include:

• Presenting to visitors and handling small animals at the Texas Zoo or Texas State Aquarium

• Planting and maintaining native butterfly/hummingbird gardens

• Leading public programs, answering questions, or assisting at sites like Mad Island Marsh, Aransas NWR, or aboard research vessels

• Maintaining bird sanctuaries along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail

• Participating in sea turtle patrols on local beaches (searching for Kemp's ridley nests)

• Conducting bird surveys, propagating native plants, or improving trails and habitats

• Supporting emerging projects like oyster gardening for coastal restoration

These are just examples—many more approved opportunities are available! Check the Approved Volunteer Service Projects list (members-only) or contact our Projects Director for current options and guidelines.

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How will I get my advanced training?

Certified members need 8 hours of approved advanced training each year to recertify.

How to find AT Opportunities:

• Check the chapter website (calendar, newsletter, and members-only pages)

• Watch for VMS emails and announcements at monthly meetings

• Browse the statewide TMN event calendar for regional offerings and #TMNTuesdays

Proposing Your Own If you find (or attend) training on local ecosystems, native flora/fauna, natural resource management, archaeology, or natural history that isn’t pre-approved, review the Advanced Training Criteria first. If it fits, submit details to the Advanced Training Director for approval (usually quick and case-by-case).

We encourage diverse, high-quality learning—reach out early with questions!

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How will I get credit for the work I do?

Members report their volunteer service online using computer, tablet, or smartphone. For more information and help with computer issues—contact the Chapter hours-keeper.

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How do Mid-Coast Chapter members communicate?

Our 8 county chapter members are kept up to date pretty much weekly on upcoming advanced training, volunteer activities, chapter Enews, and meetings via VMS email distribution, our Chapter website (Calendar)and Facebook.  See postings in our Chapter Facebook Group  where members enjoy sharing ideas, experiences, relevant topics, and announcements.  We also have an official Mid-Coast Chapter Facebook Page - be sure to join both!  

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What if I don’t have a computer?

Do you have access to a tablet or smartphone? You can report and use the website on those devices. Communication is needed to be sure you don’t miss out on activities and can complete your certification requirements. You will be responsible for making any special arrangements needed to ensure you have email and Internet access, but we can help.

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Like to join us?

Apply for membership online. The Membership Director will contact you directly.
If your question was not answered, please use the Contact Us!