Cypress Basin Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist

 

 

Jefferson, TX –November 30, 2016 – We are pleased to announce that the Cypress Basin Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist is now taking applications for their Training Class of 2017. If you love nature, if you cherish the natural beauty of East Texas, and if you wish to preserve this beauty for future generations, please join us and share this passion with other like-minded East Texans.

Our training consists of 40 hours of classroom and field instruction, taught by professionals in their respective areas of expertise, and founded on scientific research and knowledge. The training is over four months, one weekend/month (Friday evening 6-9 pm, Saturday 9-5). The goal of the training is to enhance the volunteer’s understanding of the natural resources of East Texas, and management efforts related to these resources, which will then lead to certification as a Texas Master Naturalist.

The Cypress Basin Chapter currently consists of over 45 Texas Master Naturalists, living in several East Texas counties, and serving our communities through many different volunteer projects throughout the year. No matter your interests, there is something for you, both to enhance your knowledge and skills, as well as to build friendships as you build community awareness of our natural world.

Here are some of the fun projects our members were a part of this year:
· A few of our members got to help with the release of paddlefish in the Big Cypress
· Some of the group has been instrumental in assisting with the weevil project that is a major weapon in the fight against Giant Salvinia in Caddo Lake
· Some us learned simple methods for identifying plants, birds, mammals, and trees.
· Many of us helped with maintaining trails at the Caddo Lake Refuge
· Some of learned how to present nature subjects in classrooms and then some of those members also put that training to use in classrooms and at events in our area
· A few of us worked on paddle trails at Caddo Lake replacing old trail markers
· Some of us held a Moon Over Caddo a star gazing event and learned more about the moon, the stars and planets as we hosted the event for visitors
· Other members helped maintain a butterfly garden at a local school
· Some us were involved in monitoring traps used to detect the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer
· A few of us are trained in local watersheds and how we can help monitor and maintain water quality in our local lakes and streams
· Some of attended a Native Landscape Certification Course where we learned to use native plants in local landscaping and how to assist others who wished to do the same
· Many of us viewed online training seminars on a variety of topics on nature
· AND ALL OF US – EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US HAD FUN, LOTS OF FUN, DOING THIS
Applications are accepted on a first come, first-served basis, as class size is limited. The deadline for applications is Saturday (Dec 31).

Information on Texas Master Naturalist – http://txmn.org
Information on the Cypress Basin Chapter — http://txmn.org/cypress
Application for the Training Class of 2017 — http://txmn.org/cypress/training/2017-training-application/

Or you can email, Jill Wright, Training Coordinator, at jillmom8788@hotmail.com

About Texas Master Naturalist

Providing Skilled Volunteers to Improve and Steward Texas Natural Resources and Natural Areas.

The Mission: 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 for the State of Texas.

Since 1997, the Texas Master Naturalist™ program has grown to include 46 chapters and more than 9,600 volunteers serving Texas communities throughout 76 percent of the state’s counties. Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides funding for the Texas Master Naturalist program.