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:

Build a Bee Hotel: August 22, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Nell's Woodland

Creatures of the Night: October 24, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | Nell's Woodland

Birdwatching Hikes at Dixon Waterfowl Refuge:

• August 22, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• September 12, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
• October 17, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
• November 28, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Fossils of the Illinois Valley:

• Graves-Hume Public Library: September 9, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Utica Public Library: November 12, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The Night Shift: Moths of Illinois: September 23, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Lacon Public Library

Bat Acoustic Walks:

• Nell's Woodland: August 22, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
• Dixon Waterfowl Refuge: September 19, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Yoga in Nature: October 3, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Dixon Waterfowl Refuge

National Bat Week - Bats & Snacks: October 29, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Nell's Woodland

Bat-tastic Illinois!

• Graves-Hume Public Library: October 1, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Putnam County Library - Granville Branch: October 13, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Utica Public Library: October 22, 2026 | 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Nature Walks at Illini State Park:

• September 12, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
• October 17, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Fall Foliage Hike: October 24, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Nell's Woodland

Fall Tree ID Hike: November 7, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Dixon Waterfowl Refuge

Native Seed Exchange: November 12, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. | Nell's Woodland

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