Thank you for your interest in making a difference!
The Texas Master Naturalist Program trains volunteers to educate, serve, and support the conservation of natural resources in their communities across Texas.
The Balcones Canyonlands Chapter focuses on the Eastern Hill Country, particularly the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge in North Austin. If you plan to volunteer outside the Austin area, visit the State TMN website to find a chapter near you.
To become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist, you must:
- Complete a 40-hour training course
- Contribute at least 40 hours of volunteer service annually
- Attend at least 8 hours of advanced training each year
We offer a variety of volunteer and training opportunities to match your interests. Our 12-week initial training course, based on the Statewide Curriculum, is tailored to Central Texas. It prepares participants to be stewards, educators, and advocates. Live lectures are held online (Thursdays), with in-person field trips (Saturdays). Attendance is mandatory, and trainees must make up any missed classes. Details can be found in the Chapter Training Handbook.
The training fee is $150 ($85 for full-time students). This includes your chapter dues through the end of 2026, textbook, name tag, and fees for speakers and field trips. Please ask about scholarships if fees are a barrier to your participation.
Our program is open to adults (18+) of all backgrounds and abilities who share our passion for preserving the Hill Country. There are limited spots available–training is capped at 40 participants and fills quickly. Applications for the 2025-26 class are now closed. We hope you will apply next year!