Immerse yourself in the wonders of Illinois' natural world with our Illinois Master Naturalist course. Held on select Wednesday evenings and Saturdays from March 12 through May 21, this comprehensive program offers a blend of classroom instruction, online self-study, and field work.
Experience 12 hours of engaging classroom sessions, complemented by 12 hours of online self-study, and 19 hours of hands-on field work. Delve into fundamental principles of ecology, botany, soil health, and wildlife management while exploring diverse ecosystems such as prairies, rivers, and streams.
Led by expert instructors, our training covers a broad spectrum of environmental topics, including the fascinating realms of birds, fish, reptiles, mammals, and beyond. Whether you're a novice nature enthusiast or an experienced conservationist, this course equips you with practical techniques for understanding, teaching about, and managing natural areas.
Our 2025 course will kick off on 3/12/2025 and follow this schedule:
- Wed, March 12, 2025 - 6:00-8:30pm - Orientation and Understanding the Natural World
- Wed, March 19, 2025- 6:00-8:00pm – Natural Divisions, Soils, Geology
- Sat, March 29, 2025 - 8:30am-12:00pm - FIELD TRIP: Urban Ecology & Systems
- Wed, April 2, 2025 - 6:00-8:00pm – Weather & Climate
- Sat, April 12, 2025 - 8:00-11:00am - FIELD TRIP: Ornithology/Birding
- Wed, April 16, 2025 - 6:00-8:30pm - Wildlife & Agriculture
- Sat, April 26, 2025 - 9:00am-1:00pm - FIELD TRIP: Forests of Illinois & Illinois Rivers
- Wed, April 30, 2025 - 6:00-8:30pm - Entomology
- Wed, May 7, 2025 - 5:00pm-7:30pm - FIELD TRIP: Prairies and Botany
- Wed, May 14, 2025 - 6:00-8:00pm – Teaching & Interpretation
- Fri, May 16, 2025 - 9:00am-3:00pm - FIELD TRIP: Illinois Wetlands & Anthropology
Wed, May 21, 2025 - 6:00-8:30pm – Projects & Graduation
Online Modules include Invasive Species, Ornithology, Forestry, Anthropology & Botany
Join us on this educational journey and deepen your connection to the natural wonders of Illinois. Can't attend all classes? No problem - an online module can be completed to make up the session. Register now to secure your spot!