Naturalist Core Education Training

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.  

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.