What is the Master Naturalist program? 

The mission of the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Program is to provide science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards. The program educates and trains adult volunteers so they are better equipped to share natural resource information with others in their communities, and to assist with environmental conservation and restoration activities. We all have a responsibility to protect the natural resources in the places where we live in order to ensure our world is “fit for the future.” The University of Illinois Extension partners with local agencies to accomplish the Master Naturalist mission.

What volunteer services do Master Naturalists provide? 

Volunteers participate in a variety of outreach and educational opportunities that are pre-approved by the Extension Unit to fulfill a 30-hour per year volunteer requirement. Volunteer opportunities may include, but are not limited to: assisting in the management of local natural areas; completing natural resource related office work with special interest groups or not-for-profit agencies; teaching about natural areas to adults or children; giving demonstrations and presentations to local groups; serving as a liaison between natural resource agencies and the public, and; other volunteer needs of our local area partners.

Upcoming Programs:

Winter Webinars:

• Muskrat and Wetland Ecology with Dr. Leo Gaskins - March 4, 2025 | Zoom | 5 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Winter Birding - February 22, 2025 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Nell's Woodland - Ottawa, IL

Prescribed Burn Workshop - March 15, 2025 | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Nell's Woodland - Ottawa, IL

Migratory Bird Discovery Hike - March 22, 2025 | 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Sue & Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge

Wildflowers of Sandy Ford Land and Water Reserve - April 9, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. | Streator Public Library

Spring Wildflower Hikes:

• Starved Rock State Park - April 5, 2025 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Dayton Bluffs Preserve - April 19, 2025 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Nell's Woodland - April 26, 2025 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.