Another round of training to become a Texas Master Naturalist will take place starting in January for residents of Hidalgo, Starr and Cameron counties.
The popular courses for any resident of the three counties who is over 18 years of age are taught by local college faculty members with specialties, along with other field experts.
The classes are online and held Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. beginning Jan. 10 and ending March 28. Online registration begins Dec. 16.
The Texas Master Naturalist program is sponsored by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the Texas Sea Grant Program and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
“Texas Master Naturalist chapters are made up of volunteers with diverse interests who are involved in myriad activities to learn about, work with, and help educate others about the special Rio Grande Valley’s native habitat and the critters that depend on it,” said chapter sponsor, Tony Reisinger, an AgriLife extension agent and member of the Texas Sea Grant Program.
Attendees will need internet access, a computer, iPad or Android pad. Smartphones are not recommended.
In addition, field trips are a required element of training that will provide unique access and learning opportunities. Special field trips will be held in-person following current county and departmental public health guidelines.
The master naturalist programs have been especially popular with Winter Texans here in the Valley, exposing them to new flora and fauna, as well as exploring new ecosystems.
Class size is limited, and the cost is $150, which includes textbook, fees, T-shirt, name tag and one-year membership to the master naturalist program.
Scholarships of $100 are available. Requests for scholarships are also due by Dec. 16.
To apply for the class, follow the instruction sheet online at https://www.stbctmn.org/the-next-class.
To request a scholarship application, or if you have questions, please contact the new class directors, Anne Mayville, at [email protected] or Jim Gerry at [email protected].
