University of Illinois Extension Illinois Master Naturalist Program is
designed for adults of any age that want to learn about local natural resources and positively impact their local environment. The goal of the program is to give participants engaging exposure to the natural world--one that encourages you to seek lifelong learning opportunities to further your development as a naturalist.
Illinois Master Naturalist Program participants have the opportunity to:
- learn about Illinois' natural history, ecosystems, plant and animal communities and environmental issues
- enhance your love of nature through hands-on training and community-based service
- practice lifelong learning and sharing
- interact and build relationships with new acquaintances with similar interests
- give something back to nature and your local community
- and learn from and work side-by-side with experts
Master Naturalist Course Information
What is the course structure?
The training consists of 48 hours of learning. This includes:
- Field experiences
- Classroom training sessions
- Online modules
Class sessions are held throughout western Illinois and led by experts in each field (botany, forestry, wildlife, ecology, entomology, geology, aquatics, etc). Once trained, Master Naturalists are encouraged to provide 60 hours of volunteer service within two years to become a Certified Master Naturalist. To remain active in the program, an additional 30 hours volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education must be performed yearly.
What does the course schedule look like?
Our course typically meets on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays from March to May.
- Wed, March 12, 2025 - 6:00-8:30pm
- Wed, March 19, 2025- 6:00-8:00pm
- Sat, March 29, 2025 - 8:30am-12:00pm FIELD TRIP
- Wed, April 2, 2025 - 6:00-8:00pm
- Sat, April 12, 2025 - 8:00-11:00am; FIELD TRIP
- Wed, April 16, 2025 - 6:00-8:30pm
- Sat, April 26, 2025 - 9:00am-1:00pm; FIELD TRIP
- Wed, April 30, 2025 - 6:00-8:30pm
- Wed, May 7, 2025 - 5:00pm-7:30pm; FIELD TRIP
- Wed, May 14, 2025 - 6:00-8:00pm
- Fri, May 16, 2025 - 9:00am-3:00pm; FIELD TRIP
- Wed, May 21, 2025 - 6:00-8:30pm
What does the course cost? What does the fee cover?
The Western Illinois Master Naturalist course fee is $175.
This fee covers:
- Master Naturalist training manual
- 48-hour general ecology course that combines both classroom and field learning
- One-on-one assistance in finding a volunteer position that fits your personal interests, abilities and time restraints
- Continuing education events and opportunities
- Professional Development (PD) credits for licensed teachers
When will registration open?
Registration is open now for the Spring 2025 course.
A training session will only be held if 10 or more participants are registered.
Learn More About the Natural World
Master Naturalists volunteer at various, local organizations performing a wide variety of service projects. Examples of volunteer service that Illinois Master Naturalists have done include:
- Lead a tree walk
- Conduct a youth activity at a NatureFest program
- Create signs and educational pieces for trail walkers
- Submit data to citizen science projects like BeeSpotter or Christmas Bird Count
- Perform trail maintenance and invasive plant control
- Lead canoe and kayak outings for residents
Want to be a Partner Organization?
If your organization can benefit from volunteer service by trained Master Naturalists, please contact Amy Lefringhouse
Continuing Education Opportunities
We are here to help
Amy Lefringhouse
