VOLUNTEER SERVICE IS THE REASON FOR OUR EXISTENCE
Chapter members must contribute 40 hours of volunteer service annually to retain certification in the Texas Master Naturalist program. Our members make a difference in more than 115 chapter-approved volunteer projects across our ten-county service area and contribute thousands of hours each year towards the preservation of our Hill Country environment.

HOW TO BECOME A TEXAS MASTER NATURALIST AND MEMBER OF THE HILL COUNTRY CHAPTER
For information on becoming a Texas Master Naturalist and member of the Hill Country Chapter, see our website. Our next program to become a Texas Master Naturalist is scheduled to begin in mid-February, 2022, with the first class scheduled for Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Commencement will be in the week of May 9, 2022.

The Land Management Assistance Program (LMAP) is one of our chapter’s most important contributions to our ten-county region. The LMAP is a special program through which we offer free assistance to property owners in Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Mason, Menard, Real, and San Saba Counties.
Our well-trained, knowledgeable Texas Master Naturalist volunteers visit your property to discuss your goals, plans, and concerns.
Potential land use issues are identified and possible solutions are described.
The LMAP volunteer team helps you survey trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses.
Good stewardship practices that may apply to your land are explained.
The visit is followed by a written report including a list of experts who can provide additional information and assistance.

The Pollinator Garden Assistance and Recognition Program (PGARP) is a joint project with a network of Texas Master Naturalist and Native Plant Society (NPSOT) volunteers who educate local homeowners, groups, institutions, and organizations about the importance of native plants and habitat in our unique Hill Country environment.
We help plan native pollinator gardens. Our free service includes a site visit, discussion, and advice.
The program’s volunteers advise gardeners who wish to plant pollinator gardens which provide nectar and habitat for native pollinators: bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and hummingbirds.
We discuss garden plans, recommend plants that will grow best on the site, provide advice and encouragement, and recognize and reward gardeners’ important contributions to pollinator conservation.