2025 TRAINING CLASS APPLICATION

2025 Application - Texas Master Naturalist Program

Lost Pines Chapter, Bastrop & Caldwell Counties
Dear Texas Master Naturalist Program Applicant:

THE MISSION OF THE TEXAS MASTER NATURALIST™ (“TMN”) 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 our communities.

The Lost Pines Master Naturalist (LPMN) Basic Training Course provides participants with essential information and strategies to restore and conserve our indigenous species and habitats in Bastrop and Caldwell counties. Throughout the training classes, experts will cover topics about our natural resources and lead hands-on field trips to local ecosystems. After graduation, we are all about volunteering in the local community. Texas Master Naturalist™ trainees will have a wide variety of approved local projects to choose from. Projects may include habitat restoration and maintenance, bio-surveys, state park programs, school curriculum development, monitoring activities, interpretive or education presentations, or projects of your own design.

We believe we are strengthened by the diversity of our members. We are committed to providing a welcoming environment where diversity, equity and inclusion are a core part of everything that we do. We strive to be an organization that reflects the communities we serve and encourages multiple ideas and viewpoints.

Lost Pines Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist™ has been approved as a Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Provider for Texas by the Texas Education Agency. This means our Basic and Advanced Training qualify for CPE credits.

Graduation from our Training Program requires:

Completion of a minimum of 40 of the approximately 55 hours of in-person “Basic Training” offered between January 11, 2025 and May 12, 2025. Classes are held on selected Monday evenings and Saturdays. A schedule of classes and field trips that count towards the 40 hour Basic Training requirement will be posted on our website as soon as it is finalized.
To become a CERTIFIED Texas Master Naturalist requires:

Graduation from our Training Program (40 hours Basic Training)
Completion of a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service on approved projects before Dec 31, 2025
Completion of a minimum of 8 hours of Advanced Training in approved classes of your choice (by Dec 31, 2025). Once students have completed 40 hours of Basic Training, they may count additional classes as advanced training. Other advanced training opportunities are offered each month at chapter meetings and through various workshops.

The FEE for this training is $165 per person (or $295 for a couple who share one Training Manual). The fee covers the cost of the TMN Training Manual, all class materials and handouts, venue rentals, field trip fees, 2025-chapter dues and graduation expenses.

TMN policy, and the policy of TMN’s major sponsors (Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Texas Parks and Wildlife) require that volunteers undergo a background check conducted by Texas Parks and Wildlife Division. The results are maintained confidentially by TPWD. Background checks are conducted once an applicant is accepted and entered into the chapter’s Volunteer Management System.

The application deadline is December 15, 2024.

To ensure that all interested individuals have an opportunity to get into the class, please carefully consider your schedule and the time commitment required to complete the training program. Class size is limited to 25 participants to provide a quality experience for each student. Applicants who live or work in Bastrop or Caldwell county will be given priority in admissions decisions. Email notification of enrollment status will be provided for each application received.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Beverly Angel, Training Director: email: training@lostpinesmaternaturalist.org

Sincerely,

Beverly Angel, Training Director

Melody Cole, Training Co-Director
Section 1: Personal Information

We Must Have Your Full Legal Name
Name (As Listed On Driver's License or State Issued Identification Card)*

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Birth Date*

MonthDayYear
E-mail*

Confirmation EmailWe prefer that you provide a personal rather than work email mail address. Make certain there are no typos. The email address you list here will generate your application confirmation notice.
Physical Address*

Street Address

PO Box, Apt. #

CityState

Zip Code
Mailing Address if different from above

Street Address

PO Box, Apt.#

CityState

Zip Code
Preferred Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Indicate if this is a mobile number**

YesNo
Alternate Phone Number*

Area CodePhone Number
Emergency Contact Name**

First NameLast Name
Emergency Contact Phone**

Area CodePhone Number
How did you hear about us?*
First and Last Name as you would like it to appear on your name badge.*

First NameLast Name
Each graduate will earn a Lost Pines Texas Master Naturalist t-shirt.*
Select your preferred size
Section 2: About the Lost Pines Chapter

We are an organization of community volunteers. We have varied backgrounds, experiences, professions, and interests, but there are several things we have in common. We care deeply about nature and the conservation of our environment. We are lifelong learners who constantly seek to deepen our knowledge and understanding of the natural world around us, and who have a passion for sharing what we've learned with others. Most of all, we each want to make a difference: to make our own unique contribution towards EDUCATION about nature, CONSERVATION of our natural resources, and RESTORATION of habitats and ecosystems.
How do you plan to take what you learn in class and use it to make your own contribution towards any or all of these chapter goals: education about nature, preservation of our natural resources, and restoration of habitats and ecosystems?
How do you plan to take what you learn in class and use it to make your own contribution towards any or all of these goals on your own property or in your personal life: education about nature, preservation of our natural resources, and restoration of habitats and ecosystems?
Tell us about yourself:
Please indicate your employment status:*

Employed Full TimeEmployed Part TimeNot currently employed outside the homeRetiredFull-Time StudentPart-time studentOther
What is/was your occupation/profession? If a student,what is your field ofstudy?*
Tell us about yourself: how long you've live in the are, hobbies, interest, skills, etc*
Tell us a little about your prior volunteer experience, if any. What encouraged you to consider volunteering as a Texas Master Naturalist?*
Are you a registered volunteer with TPWD?*
Do you speak, read, or write any language(s) other than English? If yes, please list them and describe whether you are a beginner, intermediate or fluent.*
What qualities, skills, and abilities do you feel you would bring to the Lost Pines Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist Program?*
What else would you like to tell us about yourself related to this training opportunity?*
Is there anything that would make it difficult for you to complete forty (40) hours of volunteer service and eight (8) hours of advanced training by December 31, 2025? If so, please explain.*
We have a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, available at different times of day, days of the week, and even times of the year. When do you expect to do your volunteer work? (check all that apply)*

WeekdaysWeekendsEveningsOther (summer break, school holidays, winter, etc)
Section 3: Your Volunteer Interests
What kind of volunteer work interests you? (Check all that apply)*

Administration,board and committee work for the Lost Pines ChapterCitizen Science (for example Bird Surveys, CoCoRaHS, iNaturalist, etc.Curriculum DevelopmentDocent at nature centerHabitat restoration and preservationHerbarium workIdentification of speciesLeading interpretive hikesPlant rescuePublic speakingPublic outreach at eventsRemoval of invasive speciesTeaching and educational activitiesTrail maintenanceWater Quality monitoringDon’t know yet, but I’m open to ideas
The Lost PInes Chapter has over 100 active members,and it takes considerable time, and effort to keep the organization running smoothly so that we can fulfill our mission. How do you plan to contribute to sustaining the success and impact of our chapter? (Check all that apply.)*

AccountingBlog PostsCommunicationsCommunity relationsHospitalityOutreach eventsProgram planningSocial media (Facebook, Instagram, etc.)Special events planningTechnology implementation or supportTraining Committee (help plan programs for new class members)Website MaintenanceWriting or completing Grants
Are you applying together with friends or family members? If yes, please list their name(s).*
Section 4: PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT

Please read the requirements below carefully. Please read each statement carefully. and be sure you understand your obligations as a Member-in-Training. Every year, we have more applicants than we can accept, so please be sure that you understand what will be required of you and expect to be able to meet these obligations. The Texas Master Naturalist training program is very rewarding,but also quite demanding. From January through May, 2025 it will demand a significant investment of your time. Be sure you have the necessary time to devote to it.
CLASSES MEET FOR THREE HOURS ON SELECTED MONDAY EVENINGS (6:00 – 9:00 PM) AND ON SELECTED SATURDAYS FOR 3-6 HOURS FOR ADDITIONAL LECTURES AND/OR FIELD TRIPS.*

I understand that I will need to complete at least 40 of the ~ 55 hours of training offered.
YOU WILL NEED TO COMPLETE ONE TO TWO HOURS OF ASSIGNED READINGS BEFORE EACH CLASS.*

I understand that I will need to complete one to two hours of assigned readings before each class.
BACKGROUND CHECK AND LIABILITY WAIVER; Membership in the Master Naturalist program is contingent upon passing a background check to better assure the safety of our youth and adults.*

I understand that I will need to pass a criminal background check
VOLUNTEER SERVICE AND ADVANCED TRAINING *

I pledge to provide at least 40 hours of approved volunteer service by the end of the year.I pledge to complete 8 hours of advanced training by the end of the year.
CLASS FEE OF $165 for single or $295 for couple (sharing a textbook) The class fee includes textbook, supplies, field trip fees and membership fees for 2025. One scholarship is available, please check below if you would like to apply for the scholarship.*

I agree to pay the class fee of $165 or $295 per couple, and I do NOT wish to apply for a scholarship. (Skip to the Volunteer Waiver section)I would like to apply for a scholarship. (complete the Scholarship Information section)
Section 5: SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
We will be awarding 1 scholarship which will be based on: 1. Financial need 2. Expected contribution to the Texas Master Naturalist program. If you would like to apply, please explain why you should be considered for the scholarship:
Section 6: VOLUNTEER WAIVER
I , the undersigned, understand that as a participant in the Texas Master Naturalist™volunteer program ("program") I hereby release, discharge, and agree to hold harmless the program and its sponsoring state agencies, their agents, employees, officers and successors, from and against the program and sponsoring state agencies, their successors, employees, or officers for all personal injuries (including death), known and unknown or damage to property caused by or arising out of activities performed under the Texas Master Naturalist Program.*

I agree that my signature (below)serves as my signature agreeing to the above.
Signature*

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Immediately after submitting your application, you will receive an email confirmation from noreply@jotform.com with a display name of Lost Pines Master Naturalist.

Please read the information contained in that email and retain it for information. If you do not receive it, check your junk mail folder. If not found, email training@lostpinesmasternaturalist.org to request a copy.

IMPORTANT: Please add training@lostpinesmasternaturalist.org to your contact list or trusted email names list so that you will be certain to see emails we send about the status of your application.

Applicants will be notified of acceptance status by December 31, 2024. If you accept admission, you must pay tuition by January 4, 2025.
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2025 Application - Texas Master Naturalist Program

Section 1: Personal Information

Section 2: About the Lost Pines Chapter

Tell us about yourself:

Section 3: Your Volunteer Interests

Section 4: PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT

Section 5: SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

Section 6: VOLUNTEER WAIVER

Payment