Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy

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Whether you're managing land in the country or an avid supporter of green spaces in urban areas, interest in expanding our understanding of the natural environment has never been higher. With an increased focus on sustainability, safety, and innovation, what we know about shepherding our energy and environmental resources has evolved rapidly in the past decade. In addition, we would like to bring your attention to our land acknowledgment.

If you have questions about best practices in environmental stewardship. Then, you'll appreciate that our information is based on peer-reviewed science - the gold standard in determining the credibility and reliability of information.

Local Services

Monarch Butterfly

Pollinator Pockets

We have resources to help you get started, register your garden, and get a sign! No matter your site conditions, we have a pollinator garden plan for you
Trainees learning a lesson in the field

Volunteer Training

Want to become a Master Naturalist? Take our next training!
Man speaks to hikers in the woods

Request A Speaker

Need educational content for your event or organization? Request here! Please aim to give us ample notice to prepare.

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Become a Master Naturalist

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Our local land managers and environmental educators need your help. Find ways to volunteer locally and earn the title of Master Naturalist through our volunteer training program. While our training is not required to volunteer at the organizations below, it sure does help! Plus, Master Naturalists get expanded opportunities to serve with Extension and beyond. Apply today. 

Volunteer Locally

Champaign County Forest Preserve District Logo

Champaign County Forest Preserve District

Volunteer opportunities include trail stewardship, work days to maintain natural areas, and assistance with both historical and environmental education programs.
Champaign Park District Logo

Champaign Park District

Volunteers may remove non-native plants, plant native plants, or help with other maintenance of the four parks that currently have sections of natural areas: Heritage, Porter Family, Scott, and Sunset Ridge.
Urbana Park District Logo

Urbana Park District

The Urbana Park District uses volunteers in many of its programs and facilities. Opportunities include school tours, work days to maintain natural areas, seed collection and native plantings, invasive species eradication, and assistance with park events.
Allerton Park & Retreat Center Logo

Allerton Park and Retreat Center Logo

Allerton Allies assist park staff in the protection and restoration of natural lands in Allerton Park. Volunteers may remove non-native plants, plant native plants, clear trails, and more.
Upper Sangamon River Conservancy logo

Upper Sangamon River Conservancy

Volunteers help with projects on the Sangamon River.
Grand Prairie Friends logo

Grand Prairie Friends

Volunteers are needed to steward sites, remove invasive species, collect seed, plant native species, and participate in education and community outreach.
The Idea Store Logo

Idea Store

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.
Vermilion County Conservation District image of pond and woods

Vermilion County Conservation District

The Vermilion County Conservation District (VCCD) administers four county parks.
The front of the Danville Public Library and the sign.

Danville Public Library

The Danville Public Library is a wonderful partner in nature education in Vermilion County.
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Created by Master Naturalist Volunteers

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Native Plants at Meadowbrook Park Guide

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We are proud of our volunteers and partners' work to create this beautiful and accessible plant identification guide for Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.

Learn more about the Natural World in Illinois

Everyday Environment

Everyday Environment

A podcast on Explore the intricate web of connections that bind us to the natural world with a deep dive into a variety of environmental topics.
photo of Red Oak Rain Garden

Red Oak Rain Garden

Learn more about rainwater management on U of I's campus.
Great Lake

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

Learn about the sustainable use of the Great Lakes and other water resources.
Raccoon getting into bird feeder

Living With Wildlife

Preventing problems with wildlife is simpler than dealing with wildlife damage.
Southern Illinois forest

Illinois Forestry

Learn more about forestry in Illinois.
Geese in front of the Mississippi River

Land to Water

Explore a sortable list of external resources on the topic of nutrient pollution, its sources, and its solutions. 

Ways to Connect

Various ecosystems

Gardening and Environment Newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter
Image of Busey Woods in Summer

East Central Illinois Master Naturalists

Follow the Master Naturalists
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Subscribe on YouTube

Gardening and Environment Playlist
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Sustainability, Weather, and Climate

Environmental Stewardship at Home

Composting food scraps

At Home Composting

Explore the science of composting and strategies for building the perfect compost pile.
Soil Testing

Soil Testing Labs

Find a soil testing lab near you to submit a soil sample.
Stormwater@Home

Stormwater@Home

A guide for homeowners on managing rainwater using nature-based solutions including rain gardens and permeable pavement.

Youth Education

Anita Purves Nature Center

Anita Purves Nature Center Youth Programs

Urbana Park District's Anita Purves Nature Center offers resources for the community including a nature playscape, Naturalist in the Classroom, and educational kits to check out!
Nature Playscape

Homer Lake Interpretive Center

Homer Lake Interpretive Center offers loan kits, self guided adventures, a nature playscape, and more throughout the Champaign County Forest Preserve District.
Prairie meadow

Vermilion Co. Conservation District Youth Education

Offering camps, traveling naturalists, school visits, and special events as well as the Kennekuk Environmental Center and surrounding parks of the Vermilion County Conservation District.
Child splashing in puddle

Extension Take Home Kits

Enjoy the seasonal lessons developed by Wendy Ferguson from University of Illinois Extension. Lessons may be downloaded, but supplies should be collected on your own. Pick up only available in Western Illinois at this time.
Little girl in the woods

4-H Outdoor and Environmental Science Curriculum

4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities across the nation that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. Contact the Extension Office for more information about joining 4-H.
Stuffed animals in kids kits

Illinois Department of Natural Resource Trunks

Resources trunks and packs from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Education are Illinois-specific units on 14 topics. Available for loan statewide, they are filled with items for hands-on learning.
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Find the support you need from our local staff