By Robert Theimer
The class is now over with
six participants completing the training, and five of the six about to complete their certification. The
2010 class members are Catherine and Dennis Reger, Maryann Mathews, Nancy
Pricer, Michelle Marti, and Nancy Hancock. One of the class members is nearly ready
to certify and several others are working to that goal. One of the class members joined
late and is planning on attending the Ellis County Chapter training. The instructors
were very good and captured the attention of all in attendance. The Saturday classes
were well received by both retired and still not retired students. 
The field exercises
were a big plus and allowed us to use our partners, the Acton Nature Center, Fossil
Rim, and Dinosaur Valley State Park. All things considered this was a very
successful class. 
The instructors also liked the format,
relaxed and convenient for most of them. During the field demonstration on soils by
Dewayne we also learned about the elusive “wild grape tree”. During the field
trip to the Paluxy River in DVSP we met two other Master Naturalists from Houston
and Wichita Falls and exchanged information. Maryann even netted a gar in the
River. The Acton Nature Center was cooperative and presented us with a variety of flowers, grasses, and critters
during the sometimes too hot field trips, love summer in Texas. A celebration was
held at the August monthly acknowledging the accomplishments of the new class and
welcoming them as members into the Chapter.