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Master Naturalist Core Education Training

Event Date(s)
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Event Time
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Location
Varies daily
Event Fee
$250.00
County
Fulton
Mason
Peoria
Tazewell
Space is limited, register quickly.
a group photo in the woods
University of Illinois Extension's Naturalist Core Education Training is designed for adults of any age who love to learn about the natural world. The goal of the program is not to teach you everything there is to know about the subjects being covered, but to give you an engaging exposure to Illinois' natural resources that encourages you to seek lifelong learning opportunities. 
 
The 5-day course will be held  Monday, September 28 to Friday, October 2, from 9 am-3 pm each day (with a short lunch break) and will include hands-on learning at natural outdoor areas throughout the four-county unit and digital learning on your own. Soon after registering, Brittany Chambers, Master Naturalist program coordinator, will reach out to you to schedule a meet and greet to discuss the program in greater detail and to get to know you and your goals with this training. You will also be provided a link to training material that you can do online before the training and reference after. You will also be provided with links to other helpful resources.  
 
After completing the course, you will have the option to further your development and become an Extension Master Naturalist through completion of an internship of 60 volunteer service hours. Participants wanting to become a Master Naturalist volunteer will need to complete an application, background screening, and schedule an interview with Extension Natural Resources Program Coordinator Brittany Chambers.  

Training Topics:

  • Anthropology
  • Archeology
  • Entomology
  • Geology
  • Herpetology
  • Mammalogy
  • Natural Divisions
  • Soils
  • Prairies
  • Wetlands

Training Cost

The Master Naturalist training costs $250. If you are a current Master Gardener, the training costs $125.

Opportunities

Illinois teachers can earn 60 professional development hours by completing the Naturalist Core Education training. 

Participants wanting to become a Master Naturalist volunteer will need to complete an application, background screening and schedule an interview with Extension Natural Resources Program Coordinator Brittany Chambers.

Training Locations:

Monday 

  • Wildlife Prairie Park, 3826 N Taylor Rd, Hanna City, IL 61536, phone (309) 676-0998 

Tuesday 

  • Spring Creek Preserve, 22001-22199 N Spring Creek Rd, East Peoria, IL 61611 
  • University of Illinois Extension, 1505 Valle Vista Blvd., Pekin, IL 61554 Phone: 309-347-6614 

Wednesday 

  • Therkildsen, Emiquon, 11304 North Prairie Road, Lewistown, IL 61542, phone (309) 547-2730 
  • Dickson Mounds Museum - 10956 N Dickson Mounds Rd, Lewistown, IL 61542, phone (309) 547- 3721 

Thursday 

  • Tawny Oak Field Station, Singing Woods Nature Preserve, 715 W Singing Woods Rd, Edelstein, IL 61526, (309) 418-7051 

Friday 

  • Coal Hollow Park, 22004 N Yankee Ln, Chillicothe, Illinois 61523 
  • Chillicothe Public Library, 430 N Bradley Ave, Chillicothe, IL 61523 

Important Notes:

  • Bring a water container or traveling mug. 
  • Dress for the weather because a little rain and cool weather will not keep us in. Only severe weather will stop us from going outside. 
  • Wear sturdy shoes or boots, something you will not mind getting wet or muddy. Not all terrain is level, if you have a walking stick you may also want to bring that. 
  • I suggest wearing a hat or bandana while we are on hikes or in the sun. I do have sunscreen and insect repellent available, but you may also want to bring your own. 
  • Bring a sack lunch & a chair. We will take a lunch break around 12 noon to 12:30 most days..
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact
Brittany Chambers

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