Class of 2025 Initial Training
State minimum training requirements include 40 hours of combined classroom and field experiences designed to introduce Members-in-Training to the ecosystems of the Mid-Coast Chapter area. The intent of the training is to provide Members-in-Training with the information, tools, and skills they need to teach this information to others. In addition, major components of State TMN curriculum are introduced. Note: If you have submitted your application but have not yet paid your fee, please send your check for $150, payable to Mid-Coast TMN, to:
Treasurer, MCTMN
PO Box 761,
Fulton TX 78358
Each class is limited to 20 members to ensure the best learning experience. Applicants who do not make the cutoff number for the Class of 2025 will be wait-listed for the Class of 2026 in order of application.
Note: All dates and times are subject to change. Any individual session schedule and agenda updates will be provided directly to class members as each session approaches, but last-minute changes may need to be made; historically, we have needed to reschedule some field sessions due to weather.
Introduction & Orientation
Jan 26, 9:00 am-3:00 pm—Aransas County AgriLife, Rockport
TMN & Mid-Coast Chapter history, Why Master Naturalists are needed, Initial Training Requirements, Introduction to Volunteering, Member Volunteering Experiences, Using the Volunteer Management System and Chapter website This session is critical.
Geology and Ecozones
Feb 6, 5:30-7:30 pm—Virtual via Zoom
- Geology of the World
- Texas Geology
- Texas Ecological Regions
Archaeology and Early Texans
Feb 15, 9:00 am–2:30 pm—Museum of the Coastal Bend, Victoria
- Introduction to regional cultural history and archaeology
- Tour of the museum
- Overview of citizen archaeology work
- Volunteering opportunities
Upland Ecology, Birds, Soils, & Rangeland
Feb 20, 5:30-7:30 pm (virtual) and
Feb 22, 7:15 am (at the gate)-3:00 pm—Welder Wildlife Refuge, Sinton area
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- Bird identification, mist-netting, and birding
- Systems approach to understanding a landscape in transition: soils and vegetation
- Overview & tour of Welder Wildlife Refuge: soils, plant communities, habitats, rangeland succession
- Volunteering opportunities
- Bird identification, mist-netting, and birding
Mid-Coast of Texas Ecology
Mar 20, 5:30-7:30 pm (virtual) and
Mar 22, 9:00 am–3:00 pm—Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Austwell area
- Introduction to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and volunteering opportunities
- Introduction to iNaturalist and eBird
- Tour of the Refuge as presented to visitors
- Nature Journaling/Taking Field Notes
- Learning to use a plant key on Heron Flats Trail
Interpreting Nature
Apr 3, 5:30-7:30 pm (virtual) and
Apr 5, 10:00 am–3:00 pm—Lake Texana
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- Overview of Interpretation—How to present what you know
- Interpretation Theory
- Preparation and Message Delivery–Tips & Techniques
- Herpetology
- Volunteering opportunities
Riverine & Riparian Ecology
Apr 17, 5:30-7:30 pm (virtual) and
Apr 19, 10:00 am-3:00 pm—Fennessey Ranch, Refugio area
- Riverine Ecosystems
- Riparian Ecosystems
- Volunteer Opportunities
Coastal Ecology & Oyster Mariculture & Restoration
May 15, 5:30-7:30 pm (virtual) and
May 17, 9:00 am-3:00 pm Marine Education Center, Palacios
- Oyster Biology and Life History
- Ecological Importance of Oysters
- Water Quality Monitoring
- Wetland Ecology
- Volunteer Opportunities
Bay & Barrier Island Ecologies
May 29, 5:30-7:30 pm (virtual) and
May 31, 7:30 am-3:00 pm—R/V Katy & Mustang Island SP
- Introductions to Bays and Barrier Islands
- Coastal Fisheries and Ecosystems Management
- Geologic/Beach Processes and Future of Texas Barrier Islands
- Barrier Flats and Salt Marsh Ecology/Geology
- Bay, Gulf of Mexico and Barrier Island Inhabitants
- Volunteer Opportunities
The Importance of Native Plants & Graduation
Jun 5, 5:30-7:30 pm (virtual) and
Jun 7, 9:00 am-3:00 pm—Barnhart Ranch, Goliad area
- Importance of Native Plants in Mid-Coast Ecologies
- Plant Identification on a local Nature Trail
- Graduation of the Class of 2023 Members-in-Training
Mid-Coast TMN-Related Optional Activities
- Mid-Coast Chapter Meeting & Advanced Training—Sat, Feb 8, 10:00 am virtual and in-person; Location and training TBD
- Mid-Coast Board of Directors Meeting—Sat, Apr 12, 10:00 am virtual and in-person; location TBD
- Mid-Coast Chapter Meeting & Advanced Training—Sat May 10, 10:00 am virtual and in-person; location and training TBD
Not a member?
If you live in our area and think the Mid-Coast Chapter might be for you, check out the Join Us! page to get and overview and submit your Application.
Don’t live in our area?
Check out the State Texas Master Naturalist website and find a chapter near you!
Membership in the Chapter is open to qualifying individuals regardless of race, age (must be 18 years of age or older), sex, religion, disability, or national origin.
