{Note added April 27, 2020: The plans for this training have been put on hold until we receive further directives from State of Illinois and University of Illinois Systems. If you are interested in the training, please email Christine Belless your name and contact information with a brief description of yourself. cbelless@illinois.edu}

Training classes will meet ten days, Monday-Friday, June 8-19; from 9 am to 4 pm.

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.

The program educates and trains adult volunteers so they are better equipped to share natural resource information with others in their communities and to assist with environmental conservation and restoration activities.  We all have a responsibility to protect the natural resources in the places where we live to ensure our world is "fit for the future."  The University of Illinois Extension collaborates with local agencies to accomplish the Illinois Master Naturalist mission.

Illinois Master Naturalist trainees participate in 60 hours of initial training. The classes will be held at various locations throughout the four-county area. A combination of classroom instruction and field study will be used to present topics such as Archaeology, Ornithology, Entomology, Herpetology, Mammals, Botany, Ecology, Urban environment, Geology, Soil, Forest, Prairies, and Wetlands.

This training includes Volunteer Option OR Education Only Option, as well as the option to receive professional development hours through the ROE #53.

Applications, screening paperwork, interviews, and course fee, must be received by May 20.

For more information about University of Illinois Extension Illinois Master Naturalist program, contact Christine Belless, Extension Program Coordinator, cbelless@illinois.edu  Fulton County Extension, 15411 N IL 100 Hwy, Lewistown, IL 61542 or call 309.547.3711.

News release with more information about the Volunteer Option and Education Only Option.

Master Naturalist Brochure

Master Naturalist Application Paperwork