Nature is everywhere, in your neighborhood, in your backyard, and in your house.  Becoming more educated about the natural world increases your awareness and appreciation of it, enriching your everyday life.  In the tradition of John Muir, John James Audobon, and even Teddy Roosevelt, as a naturalist, you can contribute to conservation and a greener world.  And you can play an important role in sharing that world with others in your community.

The hybrid Master Naturalist training will be held April 3-June 12. In-person meeting dates will be on Thursdays from 9 a.m. -3 p.m. at Giant City Visitor’s Center, 1-245 Giant City Road, Makanda, IL 62958. Learning days will include hands-on activities, discussions, and application of knowledge gained from the online materials for each module. Guided hikes will occur in the field and be led by experts in the topic areas.

You will complete online, self-paced assignments between classes. These assignments include watching pre-recorded lectures, completing worksheets, completing online activities, and participating in a book club. The estimated time required to complete the self-paced assignments will be 3-4 hours per topic module, but this may vary based on your learning style. You will access the online portion of the course through Learn @ Illinois Extension.

Registration closes on March 13.

The course will be completed in 10 weeks. A strong internet connection is highly recommended. This course is aimed at exposing participants to in-depth natural resources content through 16 modules, including Environmental Ethics & Interpretation, Botany & Ecology; Geology, Soils, & Natural Divisions; Ornithology, Mammals, Wetlands, Rivers and Streams, & Aquatic Life; Prairies, Weather and Climate, Forestry, Invasive Species, Herpetology, Entomology, and more. After finishing training, participants have the option to put their newfound environmental stewardship knowledge to use by applying to become an Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Volunteer.

To become a Certified Master Naturalist, you must complete 60 hours of field and classroom learning which is offered each spring. During and after training, you may begin working on the 60 hours of volunteer service required to complete your Master Naturalist internship. You have 24 months to complete your internship and become a certified Master Naturalist. To remain certified, an additional 30 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education should be performed and reported annually. Read more in the Master Naturalist Handbook. 

The Illinois Master Naturalist course fee is $250, which covers:

• 8-12 week training, including over 60 hours of classroom instruction and field learning.
• Assistance in finding a volunteer position that fits your personal interests, abilities, and time restraints for as long as you remain a Certified Master Naturalist.
• Continuing education events and opportunities.

1. Complete the Master Naturalist interest form and submit it to Erica Lunde via email at  eplunde@illinois.edu or mail to 402 Ava Road, Murphysboro, IL 62966.
2. Attend an informal interview.
3. Complete a background screening process, which will take place through an online system called the Volunteer Gateway. This background screening includes:

• CANTS check through DCFS
• Background screening through Sterling Volunteers
• Registered sex offender check
• Extension Child Protection Training
• 3 reference checks

4. Complete required paperwork, like a risk waiver, photo release, code of conduct, and annual agreement.
5. Pay $250 program fee.
6. Complete the 10 weeks of training.

After completing the training, participants will be Master Naturalist interns. To become fully certified, you must volunteer 60 hours through pre-approved volunteer projects. Volunteer projects can include invasive species pulls, herbarium specimen preparation, leading a nature hike, serving as a docent at a state park, stewardship work like trail maintenance and pollinator garden maintenance, assisting with educational programs for youth or adults, and much more.

Following the completion of an internship, participants are certified Master Naturalists. To remain active, volunteers must complete and log 30 hours of volunteer time and 10 hours of continuing education each year and sign an annual agreement. Continuing education is continued learning from research-based sources on topics related to the natural world. Examples include webinars offered by University of Illinois Extension, talks from local nature groups, and more.