People and nature are some of Brittany Chamber’s favorite things and now she has a job that embodies both. Brittany recently became the new University of Illinois Extension ag and natural resources program coordinator for Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. She will be coordinating the local Extension Master Naturalists and a wide variety of natural resource-related educational programs.
Brittany originally got involved with Extension Master Naturalists when she completed the core education training in 2023 and then with the Master Gardener program in 2024. Her passion for the natural world shines through in everything she does, from supporting volunteer programs to developing new opportunities that promote conservation, stewardship, and outdoor education.
As a lifelong learner, Brittany has completed a variety of courses in forestry, horticulture, and other environmental subjects, always eager to expand her knowledge and share it with others. She enjoys being outdoors as much as possible, whether that’s hiking local trails, camping in her car on weekends, or working in nature whenever she can.
“As a Master Naturalist volunteer, Brittany played an integral part in launching the Junior Master Naturalist 4-H club in Tazewell County,” noted Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle, Extension horticulture educator. “Her experience with the Master Naturalist program and her skills teaching and planning has made her job transition as smooth as glass.”
Brittany began her career with Illinois Extension as a SNAP-Education instructor in May 2024. Following the retirement of Christine Belless, Brittany applied for her “dream job.”
At home, Brittany and her husband, Cory, live on a small homestead with their daughter Tesla. Their lively little farm is home to around 40 chickens and ducks, two dogs, affectionately named Frog and Pickles. Together, they are gradually building a more sustainable lifestyle—one begrudging project at a time.
Brittany’s love for native plants and sustainable landscaping also extends to her own yard, which earned Conservation@Home certification in 2024. She continues to work on a variety of projects that support both Master Naturalists and broader land stewardship efforts across the region. Her enthusiasm for learning, teaching, and connecting people to nature is at the heart of everything she does.
PHOTO CAPTION
Brittany Chambers is the new Extension ag and natural resources program coordinator serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties. One of her main responsibilities will be to coordinate the unit Extension Master Naturalist program.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Anita Wilkinson has been serving University of Illinois Extension since 1998, currently in the role of Communications Program Coordinator for the Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit. She began her career in Marshall-Putnam counties leading the 4-H program and transferred to Tazewell County 4-H in 2011. Her 4-H experiences began as a youth member and later 4-H volunteer in Stark County where she was born and raised.
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