Thirteen chapters of the Texas Master Naturalist program have announced fall training classes for volunteers wanting to help conserve natural resources.

The Texas Master Naturalist program develops a corps of well-informed citizen volunteers who educate their communities about natural resource management.

The main qualification needed to become a Certified Texas master naturalist is an interest in learning and taking an active role in conservation. Volunteers receive a minimum of 40 hours of training from educators and specialists with universities, government agencies, nature centers and museums.

Training topics include interpretation and management of natural resources, ecological concepts, eco-regions of Texas and natural systems management.

Volunteers are expected to contribute 40 hours of service each year in education, demonstration and habitat enhancement projects. They also are expected to pursue a minimum of eight hours of advanced training in areas of personal interest.

Enrollment is limited.

Austin Capital Area Chapter training begins Nov. 21, and registration is due by Sept. 30. Class information is available at (512) 964-7540 or email Thorne- Bio@aol.com.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas AgriLife Extension co-sponsor the Texas Master Naturalist Program. Information about existing chapters or forming a new chapter can be obtained by contacting Sonny Arnold, assistant program coordinator, 111 Nagle Hall, 2258, TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2258, sarnold @ag.tamu.edu, (979) 458-1099 or visit http://masternaturalist.tamu. edu.