Neighbor News
Area residents invited to join Texas Master Naturalist program
Local chapter of statewide conservation group taking applications for next training class
The Woodlands, TX, - The Heartwood Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists is inviting local residents to join us in our efforts in helping to preserve nature and better manage the natural resources of Montgomery and Walker counties.
As part of a statewide corps of trained and dedicated volunteers, who share a love of the
outdoors and want to help Mother Nature, master naturalists from the Heartwood Chapter
have long been recognized for their work on important local conservation projects.
Heartwood volunteers are involved in a number of outdoor activities, including recently working with The Woodlands Township in cultivating and nurturing thousands of milkweed plants as part of an ambitious township project to cultivate the plants — a key pollinator for Monarch butterflies.
Find out what's happening in The Woodlandsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Master Naturalists have such diverse backgrounds, from birders to plant lovers, rock
hounds to wetland stewards, and everything in between,” said Heartwood President,
Carolyn Langlinais. “I once had someone tell me that she loved finally finding someone who
understood how much she loved bugs. Her family didn’t understand. We do! We welcome all
nature lovers.”
Heartwood Texas Master Naturalists also help to maintain the trees and plants of Jones
State Forest, are working on a massive restoration project in Lake Livingston, are helping to
restore hummingbird habitat at Kleb Woods Nature Center in Tomball, are removing
invasive plants in The Woodlands, and are working on other important projects.
Find out what's happening in The Woodlandsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“It’s really hard to feel as though we can make positive changes as one person. But with group of volunteers working together, it’s amazing what we can do,” Langlinais said.
Co-sponsored by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. and the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Service, aspiring Texas Master Naturalists receive 40 hours of classroom and outdoor training. There are also additional opportunities for advanced training. Cost of the training is $150, with classes beginning March 14 at Jones State Forest. Open slots are filling fast.
To sign up for the class or for more information on becoming a Texas Master Naturalist: https://txmn.org/heartwood/how-to-join/
Or contact Heartwood Training Director Scott Ball at heartwoodtraining@gmail.com.