University of Illinois
Allerton Park and Recreation Center
Allerton Allies assist park staff in the protection and restoration of natural lands in Allerton Park near Monticello, Illinois. Allerton Park has National Natural Landmark designation and encompasses the Sangamon River, floodplains, lowland and upland forests, a meadow, and a 30-acre demonstration prairie along with 14 miles of interpretive hiking trails. Volunteers may remove non-native plants, plant native plants, clear and mark trails, or help with other maintenance of the natural areas. Scheduled workdays are typically the 1st Saturday of the month.
Rain Garden Stewardship
ECIMN is also cooperating with the Champaign County Master Gardeners and the University of Illinois Facilities and Services to manage the Red Oak Rain Garden, located at 1005 W Gregory St. Urbana, IL on the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus. Volunteers assist with design and maintenance activities during the growing season including pruning, weeding, planting, and fall leaf removal.
Illinois Natural History Survey
Since 1858, the Illinois Natural History Survey has been the guardian and recorder of the biological resources of Illinois. This organization provides many instructors for ECIMN. Volunteers can help with various plant and animal surveys. The Herbarium uses volunteers to assist with plant sample preparation and recording. To view a full list of our volunteering opportunities please visit their website.
University of Illinois Pollinatarium
The University of Illinois Pollinatarium is the first free-standing science center in the nation devoted to flowering plants and their pollinators. It serves as a campus resource for research and teaching and a major regional attraction for the community and its visitors. The Pollinatarium is located in the midst of the UI Arboretum and is adjacent to a prairie with walking paths. Volunteers can assist science center staff in their educational and outreach mission and help with prairie maintenance.
I-72 Demonstration Prairie
A small prairie tended by East Central Illinois Master Naturalists as an example of prairie restoration and management. It is located on the northwest corner of University Ave and Country Fair Drive in Champaign, IL. Volunteers primarily participate in invasive removal.
Sponsors
Champaign County Forest Preserve District
The Champaign County Forest Preserve District (CCFPD) is a local, property tax-supported government agency charged with the stewardship of five forest preserves covering 3,899 acres in Champaign County. These preserves provide visitors with the chance to hike, canoe, swim, fish, and observe wildlife. Current volunteer openings are posted on the cuvolunteer.org website. Volunteer opportunities include trail stewardship, work days to maintain natural areas, and assistance with both historical and environmental education programs. Sue Gallo is the volunteer coordinator for CCFPD.
Champaign Park District
The mission of the Champaign Park District is to enhance the quality of life through positive experiences in parks and recreation in the Champaign, Illinois community. They currently have 60 parks, 11 trails, and 14 facilities totaling 654 acres. Four parks currently have sections of natural areas: Heritage, Porter Family, Scott, and Sunset Ridge. They hope to expand these areas in the future. Volunteers may remove non-native plants, plant native plants, or help with other maintenance of the natural areas.
Urbana Park District
The Urbana Park District (UPD), located in Urbana, Illinois, maintains parks and facilities and offers recreation programs for Urbana citizens. With 22 parks comprising nearly 600 acres and hundreds of programs, there are many activities to enrich the community. The Urbana Park District uses volunteers in many of its programs and facilities. Opportunities include school tours, workdays to maintain natural areas, seed collection and native plantings, invasive species eradication, and assistance with park events.
Partners
Audubon Society
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. The Master Naturalists partner with two local chapters.
The Champaign County Audubon Society (CCAS) includes more than 500 members. Their emphasis mirrors that of the national society which includes conservation of all natural resources.
Located in Vermillion County, the Middlefork Audubon Society was formed in 1995 as a chapter of the Illinois Audubon Society. Several Middlefork Chapter members volunteer at events in our county parks and preserves.
Grand Prairie Friends
Grand Prairie Friends is volunteer-led, not-for-profit, conservation organization and land trust committed to preserving and restoring tallgrass prairie, wetlands, and woodlands in east-central Illinois. Volunteers are needed to steward sites, remove invasive species, collect seed, plant native species, participate as citizen scientists, and participate in education and community outreach. Opportunities to serve on the GPF Board of Directors or be a member of committees are also available. Volunteers with marketing and communication skills are also needed.
Headwaters Invasive Plant Partnership (HIPP)
The Headwaters Invasive Plant Partnership works to stop the spread of invasive plants that are already in central Illinois and block the flow of invasive plants entering the area. Volunteers can assist by physically removing invasive species; raising awareness in the community and recommending alternatives; establishing partnerships with garden managers, garden centers and nursery professionals; and working with government officials to implement appropriate policies.
The Idea Store
The Idea Store is Central Illinois’ Premier Eco-Edu-Art Creative Reuse Marketplace. Volunteering at The Idea Store is a great way to meet and work with some of the area’s most creative artists, educators, and innovators. All proceeds from The Idea Store go toward expanding their mission of fostering education, creativity, environmental stewardship, and community, donating your time and talent benefits everyone.
Land Conservation Foundation
The Land Conservation Foundation is a not-for-profit land trust founded in 2003. LCF’s mission is to preserve and restore natural communities, to create interconnected corridors, to provide wildlife habitat, and connect people and nature for future generations. LCF has a wide range of volunteer opportunities for Master Naturalists or other interested members of the public. There are three general categories of these activities: Stewardship, Outdoor Education, and Social Media/Graphic Arts.
Upper Sangamon River Conservancy
The Upper Sangamon River Conservancy (USRC) was established in the Spring of 2009, growing out of a grassroots effort by community members who are concerned about the Sangamon River. USRC activities include river clean-ups, river monitoring, information and education displays at community events, and mussel surveys. Most importantly, perhaps, the group provides free access to canoes for members and it helps people get out on the river with regular paddling events. The USRC provides resources for anyone interested in finding out more about our Sangamon River.
Vermilion County Conservation District
The Vermilion County Conservation District (VCCD) administers four county parks which include Forest Glen Preserve, Kennekuk, Lake Vermilion, and Heron County Parks. All are unique in what they offer. The VCCD specializes not only in offering an array of recreational opportunities but also conservation education, special events, historical interpretation, and forestry research. Our parks contain six Illinois nature preserves and a state historical site.
