Since 1997, the Texas Master Naturalist™ (TMN) program has grown to include 50 chapters and more than 12,000 volunteers serving Texas communities throughout more than 80 percent of the state’s counties. The mission of the 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 area
s within their communities for the state of Texas. The Texas Master Naturalist Endowment was created in 2015 to provide funding to support the growth and sustainability of the TMN program. The TMN Endowment was created as a partnership effort by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation and the Texas A&M Foundation. What makes the work of a Texas Master Naturalist so important is that they are not only individuals who love nature and offer their time, but are also trained naturalists with specialized knowledge of different ecosystems, species, habitats, and environmental demands that is priceless when determining how to best manage natural resources. These skilled volunteers work with communities and organizations across the state to implement youth outreach programs; help operate parks, nature centers, and natural areas; and lead local natural resource conservation efforts. In addition, private landowners depend on the expertise of these volunteers to help them gain a broader scientific understanding of the ecology and management of their natural resources. The Texas Master Naturalist Endowment will ensure that this critical volunteer-focused program continues into the future.
