Lost Pines Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist

Overview

The Lost Pines Chapter is one of over 30 local Chapters of Texas Master Naturalist volunteers operating throughout Texas. Our emphasis is on education and service to our local communities in the Lost Pines area of Bastrop, Caldwell, and surrounding counties. The Lost Pines Chapter was founded in 2000 and operates as a registered 501-3(C) non-profit organization.

The Mission of the Texas Master Naturalist volunteer 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.

Texas Master Naturalist volunteers receive 40 hours of in-depth training in wildlife and natural resource management, customized to focus on our local ecosystems. In return, volunteers provide at least 40 hours of service in the form of community education and demonstration projects, while pursuing a minimum of 8 hours of advanced training in areas of special interest.

Texas Master Naturalist training is provided by educators and specialists from universities, agencies, nature centers, museums, and other organizations that donate their services. The Texas Master Naturalist curriculum is developed by experts and provides a standardized base of knowledge and skills for all volunteers across the state.

The Texas Master Naturalist volunteer program is sponsored by the Texas Cooperative Extension and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and supported by more than 180 local organizations.

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Lost Pines Chapter Volunteer Training

To become a member of the Lost Pines Chapter, sign up for our next Volunteer Training Course. This course is held approximately every 18 months; the current class began on January 26, 2009. Classes include Monday evening lectures 2 or 3 times a month, plus five Saturday field trips scheduled between the end of January and mid-May. Trainees receive over 40 hours of classes in the natural history of our area. This is an excellent opportunity for residents of Bastrop and Caldwell Counties and adjacent areas to both enhance their knowledge of the natural history of Texas, with emphasis on the Lost Pines, and to give something back to the community. In return, Master Naturalist volunteers provide at least 40 hours of service in the form of community education and demonstration projects, while pursuing a minimum of 8 hours of advanced training in areas of special interest.

Chapter Meetings

The Lost Pines Chapter holds regular meetings on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are usually held alternately at the Bastrop State Park Refectory or the Red Rock Community Center.

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Chapter Documents

Chapter By-laws (2006) (156 kB PDF)

Chapter Handbook (2006) (144 kB PDF)

Activity Reporting Form

Please report your volunteer and advanced training hours using one of the Volunteer Activity reporting forms. Send your completed reports to Marsha Elrod.

Three new (7/2010) forms are available:

1. A PDF file for those who complete time sheets manually and mail them to Marsha.

2. A Word document in which you can insert your scanned signature, or scan after signing and email to Marsha.

3. A word document including the statement needed for an electronic signature. If submitting your report electonrically, e-mail back to Marsha. Marsha Elrod. If submitting by regular mail, send to 187 Billingsley Hgts., Cedar Creek, Tx 78612).

Volunteer Project approval form (for initiating a new project not already approved by the Chapter)
Volunteer project approval (RTF, open and fill-out in most word processors)
Volunteer project approval (PDF file)

Advanced Training approval form
To request approval for a new advanced training opportunity which has not previously been approved by the Chapter.
(Fillable Word doc, click here)
(PDF format, click here)

Generally approved Advanced Training - List of activities and sponsors pre-approved for advanced training events not explicitly announced as approved by the Chapter

Check Request form (to request reimbursement for Chapter expenses)

Statewide Curriculum
(Overview of the curriculum)

Updated! Statewide Chapter Management Guidelines (3-2006)
(380 kB PDF)

Statewide Standards of Conduct (60 kB PDF)

Statewide Code of Ethics
(60 kB PDF)

Contact Us

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2010 Officers

Committees

Sponsors

Bastrop County Extension
  Rachel A Bauer, CEA-AG/NR
  Office: Bastrop-tx@tamu.edu; 512-581-7186

Caldwell County Extension
  Office: Caldwell-tx@tamu.edu; 512-398-3122


Bastrop/Caldwell County District Biologist, Office: 901 Pecan St., Mail: 804 Pecan St., Bastrop, Tx 78602; 512-332-7280.
Meredith Longoria

  Lost Pines Chapter Home Page