Christine earned her B.A. Ed/History & Psychology from Western Illinois University. Christine began her Extension career as a Fulton County SNAP-Ed instructor in 1994. From 2005-2012, she was the Mason County 4-H Program Coordinator. In 2012, she transitioned to her current position as Ag & Natural Resource Program Coordinator for Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell Counties. She works closely with the Extension Master Naturalists and Conservation@Home.

Christine coordinates logistics and volunteers for commercial agriculture and natural resource programs. She works closely with 90 Extension Master Naturalists as they deliver educational programs, complete continuing education, and work with our partners on projects such as restoration of natural areas and environmental stewardship events. As a trained facilitator in Annie’s Project, Christine coordinates the training offered to women in ag and works with state commercial ag educators for programs held locally.

Learn More

• What I Do and Why It Matters: Christine Belless
• Meet the Educators - Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle with Tara Heath and Christine Belless

Recent Media Coverage

• Master Naturalists partner with The Nature Conservancy to survey and assess newly planted trees
• Extension Master Naturalists give nature a hand with bluebird monitoring
• Jr. Master Naturalist 4-H club offers fun, education, and adventure
• Forestry specialist provides chainsaw safety education to local volunteers and park district staff
• • Repurposed feed and seed bags have become support for pollinator project
  • Extension Master Naturalists explore Prairie Hills Wetland Reserve and build new partnership with Prairie Land Conservancy
• Repurposed feed and seed bags have become support for pollinator project
• Master Naturalists involved with Citizen Science programs
• Extension Master Naturalist Spotlight: Peggy West
• Local women in agriculture inspired and challenged through Annie’s Project
• Chautauqua Refuge Gains Attention Through Master Naturalist’s Writing Skills
• Local Master Naturalist Volunteer Builds Website to Encourage People to Enjoy Local Natural Areas
• Master Naturalists invest time and talents volunteering at Wildlife Prairie Park
• Pollinator Project honors Extension Master Naturalists
• JDC prairie project provides many benefits to county and residents
• Master Naturalist Pam Tomka inspires others to enjoy nature through her grant writing skills