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The Sabine Neches Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists will hold an introduction meeting on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. for those interested in becoming a certified Master Naturalist.  This meeting will take place virtually via Zoom. Participants must apply for the training in advance at http://txmn.org.sabine/.

The mission of the Texas Master Naturalist program is to develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.  Master Naturalist volunteers receive in-depth training in wildlife and natural resource management focused on local ecosystems and provides service in the form of community education, conservation, and demonstration projects.

“Classes run from August 13-December 12, 2020. Dates and times will be posted on our website,” says Randy Beehn, Chapter President. “Because of the current conditions surrounding Covid-19, all classes and field trips are scheduled to be through a virtual platform at this time. However, if virus loads decrease later in the year, field trips could possibly be on location. Sabine Neches Master Naturalists strictly follows both local and CDC recommendations for the safety of our members. “

Initial requirements to become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist™, Sabine-Neches Chapter, include 40 plus hours of approved basic training, 40 hours minimum of approved volunteer service, 8 hours minimum of approved Advanced Training, and a background check. Fees for the class are $140 which covers all learning materials including the updated Texas Master Naturalist handbook, a 735- page full color hardcover manual.  Instructions for applying online are posted at http://txmn.org/sabine/.  Monthly meetings are held on the fourth Thursday from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The Master Naturalist program is sponsored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.  Local partners are Shangri La Botanical Gardens, Big Thicket National Preserve, Sea Rim State Park, Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary, Village Creek State Park, and J. D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area.   Each year the Texas Master Naturalist program trains about 720 new Master Naturalists, provides about 320,000 hours of service (valued at $6.2 million), offers about 46,000 hours of advanced training, and reaches about 160,000 youth, adults, and private landowners through direct contact events across the state of Texas.