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Master Naturalists

University of Illinois Extension's Illinois Master Naturalist Program is designed for adults of any age that want to learn about and positively impact their local environment. 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 the natural world--one that encourages you to seek lifelong learning opportunities to further your development as a naturalist.

Master Naturalist Program participants have the opportunity to:

learn about Central Illinois' natural history, ecosystems, plant and animal communities, and environmental issues
enhance your love of nature through hands-on training and community-based service
practice lifelong learning and sharing
interact and build relationships with new acquaintances with similar interests
give something back to nature and your local community
and learn from and work side-by-side with experts

Master Naturalists must complete 60 hours of field, classroom, and digital learning and 60 hours volunteer service within two years to become a Certified Master Naturalist. To remain active in the program, an additional 30 hours volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education must be performed yearly.

Adult learners can also take the same educational training, which we refer to as Natural Resources Core Education class, for professional and personal development only. This is the non-volunteer option.

Upcoming Master Naturalist Training

Master Naturalist Core Education Training is the first step to becoming an Extension Master Naturalist. The next training is scheduled for September 28 - October 2, 2026.

2026 Details and Registration

Green Connections Newsletter

Volume 3 - 2026

Volume 2 - 2025

Volume 1 - 2024

Speakers Bureau Request

University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists are available to provide educational presentations at your request.

Our Speakers Bureau provides a variety of garden and nature-inspired topics, free of charge (except when noted for workshop materials).

Ask a Gardening or Natural Resources Question to the Help Desk

Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist volunteers are available to answer questions regarding your garden or natural spaces. Use this form to begin the inquiry process.

Describe your question, location, and, if able, include photos of the plant or situation you are asking about.

Include your name, contact information, and if you prefer to be contacted by phone or email.

Allow 3 to 5 business days for volunteers to complete the research and response.

Help Desk Request Form

Steps for Joining

You become a Master Naturalist by applying to the program, going through background checks, being accepted into a class, completing the training, and providing volunteer hours to the Master Naturalist program.The Master Naturalist Program is eligible for CPDU credits.

Master Gardener/Master Naturalist Application
Attend an informal interview and submit required documentation below
Complete payment - $250 for Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell counties
Attend Master Naturalist Training
Complete and report 60 hours of volunteer internship

Mission and Goals

Mission:

To develop an expanding corps of well-educated volunteers to provide service and support for partnering organizations in the conservation, restoration, management, and interpretation of natural resources and natural areas in Central Illinois.

Goal 1:

Offer Master Naturalist educational programs and materials that provide classroom and field based training on the environmental and cultural resources of Central Illinois.

Goal 2:

Cultivate volunteers to serve as educators and community ambassadors for environmental initiatives; as stewards in the management of natural resources in Central Illinois; and as stakeholders who will perpetuate the Master Naturalist Program.

Objectives:

Offer assistance in developing new and enhancing existing environmental education offerings to the community.
Provide assistance with the stewardship of regional natural resources.
Act as ambassadors who expand community awareness of environmental activities and initiatives.

Goal 3:

Facilitate cooperation and collaboration among partnering groups and agencies.

Objectives:

Attain representation from local conservation and cultural resource groups on Master Volunteer Advisory Board.
Identify and approve service projects with partnering groups.

About Our Program

Why Become a Master Naturalist?

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 Audubon, 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.

What Qualifications Must I Meet?

Anyone can become a Master Naturalist - it does not require a degree or years of experience. You do, however, need to:

Have a sincere desire to learn and share natural resource information within your community
Be able to communicate effectively
Be willing to devote time to volunteering and continuing education

What Does the Training Involve?

This is a five-day program, led by expert educators in the region. Approximately 60 hours of classroom instruction and field study and 60 hours of volunteer internship work are required to complete the program and become certified. In order to remain a certified Master Naturalist, 30 hours of volunteer work and 10 hours of continuing education or advanced training are required each year.

Example Master Naturalist Volunteer Opportunities

Stewardship projects: examples include Prairieland Conservancy, Forest Park Nature Center, Wildlife Prairie Park, Rocky Glen
Educational youth programs: examples include Jr. Master Naturalist 4-H Club, Discovery Days, Clean Water Celebration, Science Adventure Day
Community Science programs such as Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count, BeeSpotter, Bumble Bee Watch, FrogWatch USA, CoCoRaHS, Great Backyard Bird Count, Great Sunflower Project, Illinois RiverWatch, iNaturalist, Monarch Watch, Monitoring of Owls and Nightjars, and Project Squirrel.
Writing: educational articles for newsletters, blogs, magazines, etc.
Conservation@Home
Speakers Bureau