The Sabine Neches Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist, will hold an introduction meeting Thursday, Jan. 22, at 6:30 p.m. for those interested in becoming a certified Texas Master Naturalist. This meeting will take place at 700 North St. in Beaumont. Participants may apply for the training in advance at http://txmn.org/sabine/.
The stated 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 training in wildlife and natural resource management focused on local ecosystems; members provide service in the form of community education, conservation, and demonstration projects.
“Classes run from Jan. through July, with dates and times posted on our website when finalized,” said Sharon Jackson, chapter president. “Our chapter has grown over 20% each of the last few years, with many of the new members joining us because of our extensive public outreach events.
“We have one of the highest volunteer service ratios in the state of Texas, which is a testament to our members’ dedication to providing service within our communities. “
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 $150, which covers all learning materials including the updated Texas Master Naturalist handbook, a 735- page full color hardcover manual and chapter logo t-shirt. 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 Texas 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, Big Thicket Association, and others. Each year, the Texas Master Naturalist program trains over 600 new Master Naturalists and, as of 2023, has trained 16,700 volunteers and contributed more than 6.935 million hours of service. Volunteer efforts are estimated to be worth more than $215 million to the state of Texas.
For more information, contact the chapter at sabinenechestxmn@gmail.com.