Seven members of the Highland Lakes Chapter of Master Naturalists earned their certification earlier this month. The Highland Lakes Chapter serves Blanco, Burnet and Llano Counties.

The mission of the Master Naturalists 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 their communities. Master Naturalists routinely volunteer for youth education programs, at state parks, nature centers and natural areas and often provide leadership in local natural resource conservation efforts.

To become a Texas Master Naturalist each volunteer goes through an approved training program of 40 hours of combined field and classroom instruction, plus eight hours of advanced training. To become certified the individual must then complete 40 hours of volunteer work within their community and attend another 8 hours of advanced training within 12 months of completing the initial training. To remain certified you must continue to volunteer for 40 hours each year and attend 8 hours of advanced training.

If you are interested in joining this group of dedicated individuals the Highland Lakes Chapter will be conducting training in the beginning of 2013. For more information you can contact a local office of Texas Parks and Wildlife or your local county agrilife extension agent.