Registration is now open for the Spring 2026 class of Piney Woods Lakes Texas Master Naturalists beginning Feb. 4.
Interested nature enthusiasts from Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Tyler counties will take part in 10 weeks of virtual and classroom training delivered by Master Naturalists and specialists from universities, Texas Parks and Wildlife, TAMU AgriLife and regional nature centers.
As a Master Naturalist, you will work with adults and schools as an advocate of land stewardship, explaining the benefits of native plantings and conservation management for home, ranch and farm properties. While most training will be in a classroom, trainees will also visit Big Thicket National Preserve, Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve and Trinity River Authority-Lake Livingston Dam for classes.
No special knowledge is required and there will be no tests. A “Meet & Greet” will connect you with members of PWLTMN to talk about the training process, why becoming a Master Naturalist is so beneficial, and how they will help.
Certification requires 40 hours of training and 40 hours of chapter and community service within one year of beginning training.
Topics covered include field interpretation, natural resource conservation, eco-regions in Texas, pollinators, bird and wildlife identification, and a lot of “ologies” – geology (land formation), ornithology (birds), entomology (insects), ichthyology (fish), herpetology (snakes), mammalogy (critters), wetland ecology and other areas.
Each trainee must also complete the annual requirement for eight hours of advanced training in an area of personal interest. Various presentations offered at bi-monthly chapter meetings typically fulfill this requirement.
The class fee of $150 for individuals covers a comprehensive state curriculum book, first year chapter annual dues of $25, temporary and permanent name badge, fees for speakers and facilities, and the required Texas Parks and Wildlife background check. Couples registering together can share the book and pay only $250.
Most classes will be held Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., beginning Feb. 4 and ending May 13 with a spring break March 30-April 3. Two Saturday classes will be held to accommodate instructors from Sam Houston State University. Class locations include Texas State University System Polk County Center in Livingston and field trips. Most classes will be available via recording if you miss one.
For more information email PWLTMNTraining@gmail.com. Download the membership application at training@pineywoodlakes.com.
