The Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Program is a volunteer training program offered by University of Illinois Extension. East Central Illinois Master Naturalist is our local chapter of the program, including volunteers from Champaign, Ford, Iroquois, and Vermilion counties. Find other Illinois Master Naturalist groups here on the state website.
Since establishing the East-Central Illinois Master Naturalist program in 2005, almost 400 residents have taken our Master Naturalist training. Volunteer efforts have provided over 98,000 hours of service valued at more than $2,000,000 to East-Central Illinois. With many hands, we make a big difference.
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.
To allow individuals to experience nature, develop knowledge of and respect for the environment, and practice natural resource stewardship.
There are many ways a Master Naturalist can fulfill the commitment of 30 volunteer hours a year. You may have an affinity for a particular subject area, location, or type of effort. Or perhaps you may find that variety is your thing. Volunteer efforts support our collective missions and benefit our community. It also expands one's knowledge of the natural world and allows one to socialize and get to know other Master Naturalists, partner organization staff, conservation professionals, and subject area experts.
Continuing education expands the depth and breadth of knowledge, increases the value of a volunteer, and provides a chance to interact with other Master Naturalists and subject area experts. To maintain Master Naturalist certification, volunteers must complete 10 hours of continuing education annually. These hours can come from classroom, workshop, or self-study activities. Acceptable continuing education supports the mission and goals of the ECIMN chapter and furthers knowledge and skills related to service in the ECIMN region.
Volunteer opportunities are marked "V"; those marked "CE" are continuing education opportunities.
It is essential that you report all volunteer hours earned using the ECIMN reporting website. These hours enable the sponsors to understand the value provided by Master Naturalists and to justify continued support for the program. But even more important, it provides the basis for grant funding from a variety of sources. These dollars allow our sponsors and partners to have a much greater impact than they might otherwise have.
The East-Central Illinois Master Naturalist (ECIMN) program is sponsored by the Champaign County Forest Preserve District, Champaign Park District, and Urbana Park District. All funds are maintained by University of Illinois Extension. East-Central Illinois Master Naturalists partner with area agencies and organizations whose mission align with ECIMN. Together, they develop appropriate master naturalist projects with the partners, who provide resources in exchange for volunteer service. ECIMN partners may change regularly depending on the community's project needs and the organization's resource needs. Some of our current partners are highlighted below. If your group would like to become an ECIMN partner, please get in touch with Melissa Berg at mkberg3@illinois.edu.
Overview Video - Activity Map - Annual Report - Policies
Allerton Park and Recreation Center
Allerton Allies assist park staff in protecting and restoring natural lands in Allerton Park near Monticello, Illinois. Allerton Park has a National Natural Landmark designation and encompasses the Sangamon River, floodplains, lowland and upland forests, a meadow, a 30-acre demonstration prairie, and 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 also cooperates 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 removal of fall leaves.
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. Please visit their website to view a full list of our volunteering opportunities.
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 amid 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.
Champaign County Forest Preserve DistrictThe Champaign County Forest Preserve District (CCFPD) is a local, property tax-supported government agency charged with the stewardship of seven forest preserves covering over 4,000 acres in Champaign County. These preserves allow visitors to hike, bike, canoe, swim, fish, and observe wildlife. Occasional volunteers are welcome to join staff at public volunteer events listed on our event calendar at ccfpd.org. Volunteers interested in opportunities like trail stewardship, natural area maintenance, or assisting with historical or environmental education programs should contact Sue Gallo, the Forest Preserve volunteer coordinator.
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 maintain 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.
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 the national society's, including conserving 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 a 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 seeds, 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 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 its 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. CF’s mission is to preserve and restore natural communities, create interconnected corridors, provide wildlife habitat, and connect people and nature for future generations. CF has many volunteer opportunities for Master Naturalists or other interested public members. Here 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 concerned about the Sangamon River. SRC activities include river clean-ups, 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 learning about our Sangamon River.
Vermilion County Conservation District
The Vermilion County Conservation District (VCCD) administers four county parks: Forest Glen Preserve, Kennekuk, Lake Vermilion, and Heron County Parks. All are unique in what they offer. The VCCD specializes in offering an array of recreational opportunities and conservation education, special events, historical interpretation, and forestry research. Their parks contain six Illinois nature preserves and a state historical site.
