Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy
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
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
Volunteer Training
Want to become a Master Naturalist? Take our next training!
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
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
Volunteer opportunities include trail stewardship, work days to maintain natural areas, and assistance with both historical and environmental education programs.
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
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 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
Volunteers help with projects on the Sangamon River.
Grand Prairie Friends
Volunteers are needed to steward sites, remove invasive species, collect seed, plant native species, and participate in education and community outreach.
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
The Vermilion County Conservation District (VCCD) administers four county parks.
Danville Public Library
The Danville Public Library is a wonderful partner in nature education in Vermilion County.
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Native Plants at Meadowbrook Park Guide
We are proud of our volunteers and partners' work to create this beautiful and accessible plant identification guide for Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, Illinois.
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Get Involved With Citizen Science
Learn more about the Natural World in Illinois
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.
Red Oak Rain Garden
Learn more about rainwater management on U of I's campus.
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
Learn about the sustainable use of the Great Lakes and other water resources.
Living With Wildlife
Preventing problems with wildlife is simpler than dealing with wildlife damage.
Illinois Forestry
Learn more about forestry in Illinois.
Land to Water
Explore a sortable list of external resources on the topic of nutrient pollution, its sources, and its solutions.Ways to Connect
Gardening and Environment Newsletter
Sign up for our newsletter
East Central Illinois Master Naturalists
Follow the Master Naturalists
Subscribe on YouTube
Gardening and Environment PlaylistSustainability, Weather, and Climate
- Global Climate Change at Illinois: The access point for global climate change-related research conducted across campus at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
- University of Illinois Center for the Economics of Sustainability: We are a world-class set of economists collaborating with agronomists, scientists, engineers, legal scholars, and other researchers. We study tradeoffs, human behavior, and the allocation of scarce resources. The results? Sustainable food systems, reliable energy and water systems, healthy environments, and thriving communities.
- Illinois State Climatologist Office: Weather and climate data and maps.
- Midwest Regional Climate Center: Services and research to help better explain climate and its impacts on the Midwest.
- Water and Atmospheric Resources Monitoring Program (WARM): Research and data about Illinois conditions.
- Weather Video Series: Learn all about the weather with this informative video series.
- Winter Storm Resource Center: Tools for coping with severe winter weather.
- Disaster Resources: Quick access to information on disaster preparedness and recovery.
Environmental Stewardship at Home
At Home Composting
Explore the science of composting and strategies for building the perfect compost pile.
Soil Testing Labs
Find a soil testing lab near you to submit a soil sample.
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.Find the support you need from our local staff
Ryan Pankau