Events

Blog Posts

cosplay and invasives. two people dressed up.
Read article: Meeting audiences where they are at with invasive species education
Meeting audiences where they are at with invasive species education
It was a beautiful April Saturday afternoon at the Anita Purves Nature Center in Urbana. Like most spring Saturdays, the grounds of the nature center...
camera and person talking in nature
Read article: A conversation about conservation, why words matter when talking about invasive species
A conversation about conservation, why words matter when talking about invasive species
Emerald ash borer, bush honeysuckle, bighead carp – if any of those names made you shudder, you’re likely aware of the widespread environmental and...
Joyce and Gordon Wassell
Read article: Conservation@Home Member Spotlight: Joyce and Gordon Wassell
Conservation@Home Member Spotlight: Joyce and Gordon Wassell
By Megan Todd, Extension Master Gardener, Serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell countiesDriving up the street in a Morton subdivision...
group burning brush in the woods
Read article: Elwood Wildlife Preserve creates a long-lasting ecosystem for wildlife
Elwood Wildlife Preserve creates a long-lasting ecosystem for wildlife
By Ed Coleman, Extension Master Naturalist, serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell countiesIn 2020, the family members of the John...

News Releases

A group of Master Naturalists standing in a field by a river
Lake County welcomes first class of Master Naturalists
GRAYSLAKE, Ill. — University of Illinois Extension officially launched the Master Naturalist program in Lake County in 2025, with 24 individuals completing the classroom portion of their training in the fall. Over the course of 12 weeks, trainees...
People looking at a weed
U of I Extension offering Master Naturalist training in Oregon
OREGON, Ill.— Individuals who are passionate about nature, conservation, and strengthening their communities are invited to apply for the Illinois Master Naturalist Program, now accepting registrations for its Spring 2026 training cohort. Pre‑registration is required by March 13. Contact...
beaver in water
Wild Neighbors: Beavers—Nature’s Engineers program coming to Oregon
OREGON, Ill.—Local residents will have an opportunity to learn more about one of Illinois’ most fascinating native animals during Wild Neighbors: Beavers—Nature’s Engineers, a free program offered by University of Illinois Extension. The presentation will be held on Wednesday, February...

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