Join Our Chapter
Are you ready to spend time in nature getting your feet wet and your hands dirty while learning and doing activities that benefit the natural world?
We are excited that you are interested in joining the Mid-Coast Chapter!
New Members join the Chapter by completing a rewarding, multi-week Initial Training program that starts around February 15 and runs through the first weekend in June. 2026 Initial Training Class Itinerary
Applicants are accepted in this order:
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Mid-Coast area applicants deferred from the previous year’s training
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Former members needing to retake training
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Residents of the Mid-Coast Chapter area
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Other applicants deferred from the previous year’s training
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Applicants from adjacent counties with no TMN chapter
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Applicants from nearby counties that have a TMN chapter
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Applicants from other areas of Texas
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Here are the steps on how to join and officially become a certified Texas Master Naturalist:
Apply:
Fill out an online application which opens September 1st - see below
Pay Tuition:
A training fee of $150 will be due once your application is approved:
This will cover the cost of books and materials and partially offset the costs of speakers and transportation. The remainder of training costs are paid by the Chapter.
A link to pay by credit card will be sent to you OR you can mail a check:
Check made out to MCTMN - Write "Initial Training" in the Memo section of your check
Treasurer, MCTMN
PO Box 761,
Fulton, TX 78358.
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Once Your Initial Training Class Begins (Saturdays February through May):
You will be required to complete a minimum of 40 of the more than 50 hours of initial training that are offered.
This training typically includes virtual classwork via Zoom Thursday evenings and hands-on field study on Saturdays February through May. No Tests! We are here to help you succeed.
The field work is often at nature preserves that are not open to the general public and will include boat trips, nature walks, plant and bird identification, and marine life study.
To find out more about what your training will include, see the current Initial Training schedule.
1st Day Training begins with a fun, get-acquainted potluck lunch provided by Mid-Coast Texas Master Naturalists and our testimonials about the volunteer opportunities they enjoy.
Then, over the next year after your training begins, you will complete certification as a Texas Master Naturalist by:
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Choosing 8 hours of advanced training (AT) from possibilities that are interesting to you and
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Completing your choice of 40 hours of volunteer service (VS) that provide “education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within your community (our TMN mission).​
If you believe this program is a good fit for you, we are delighted!
We will be posting the application form on September 1st, and you will be able to apply online at that time!
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Your ripple can help make a difference in an area of conservation that matters to you!
Don’t live in our area of Texas? Find a chapter in your area!