The Training Program

Each of your classes addresses a specific topic related to the natural world and will align with one or two units from your Texas Master Naturalist textbook. While the textbook provides an overall Texas perspective of a given topic, your class will take that a step further by providing speakers, information, and activities with a unique focus on the Blackland Prairie ecosystems of North Central Texas.

This year our training program integrates self-guided pre-work, interactive engagement with our invited speakers, and breakout activities in class. The pre-work has been specifically designed to prepare you for fully engaging with our guest experts on the topic of the day and for actively participating in the related breakout activities. Plan to spend 60 to 90 minutes completing your pre-work each week.

The Class Website

Find everything you need to know and do for each training class on the class website: http://BPTMNclass.net. Be sure to bookmark this link. The website includes meeting times and locations, your assigned pre-work, textbook readings, bios of our speakers, class agendas, related resources, and more. This website will be updated every week throughout the training program, so consult it frequently.

Class Location

For in-person classes, we will generally meet at the Science Resource Center (SRC) building on the grounds of the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, 1 Nature Place, McKinney. For virtual classes, we will use Zoom. Links for each Zoom meeting can be found on the class website at BPTMNClass.net.

To fully participate in Zoom classes, you will need reliable Internet access and a computer or tablet with keyboard. A smartphone is NOT suitable. We will have practice Zoom sessions before classes begin: if you need extra help, please let your guide know.