Abbey Matre

Abbey Matre leads the Cook County Master Naturalist training program, connecting participants with local experts, conservation groups, and volunteer opportunities across the region. Her work focuses on place-based environmental education and fostering community engagement in restoration and sustainability throughout both urban and natural areas.

Abbey has a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Science in Natural Sciences from the University of Wyoming, where she studied volunteer programs in National Forests. She has experience in ecological restoration, volunteer coordination, and conservation program development, with a focus on water conservation. Before joining Extension, Abbey worked with nonprofits and government agencies to create programs that help people connect with nature and take part in local stewardship efforts.