The Lost Pines Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, which serves Bastrop and Caldwell Counties, will begin a new member training program on January 25th, 2010. The award winning Texas Master Naturalist program, aims to develop a corps of well-informed citizen volunteers who educate their communities about the management of natural resources. The main qualification needed to become a Certified Texas Master Naturalist is an interest in learning and playing an active part in nature conservation. Volunteers must complete a 40 hour training course which is presented by educators and experts from universities and other natural resource agencies. An additional 8 hours of advanced training is also required. Training topics include interpretation and management of natural resources and habitats, ecological concepts, wetland ecology, archeology, wildlife management, geology, climate, and the study of plants, birds, insects, mammals, reptiles, and aquatic life native to this area.

The Master Naturalist program is supported by your Texas Cooperative Extension and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Volunteers are expected to give 40 hours of service a year in community education, demonstration, and habitat enhancement projects. The choices are many and varied allowing the volunteer to pursue areas of personal interest.

Classes begin Monday, January 25th at 6:30 PM at the Refectory, Bastrop State Park. Classes throughout the course will alternate between Bastrop and Caldwell counties. The fee is $85. Deadline for application is January 15th, 2010.

For information and to download and application, visit www.lostpinesmasternaturalist.org. You may also contact Rachel Bauer at the Bastrop County Extension Office at (512) 581-7186 for an application. For more information contact Paulette Boudreaux by email at pboudreaux@eccwireless.com