Master Naturalist

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Blog Posts
Season 4 Invasive species
Effective invasive species management takes empathy and teamwork
In the spring 2026 season of Everyday Environment, we explored invasive species in a new and exciting way. The world of invasives typically focuses...
habitat restoration
Stories from the field: Managing invasive species at Emiquon Preserve
When water returned to the floodplain at The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve in west central Illinois, it marked a major restoration success....
invasive golden oyster mushroom
A golden opportunity to learn that mushrooms can be invasive too
You’ve heard of invasive plants and animals, but what about mushrooms? Around Illinois, you won’t have to look far to find invasive mushrooms.Golden...
protecting illinois from invasive pests
Protecting Illinois from invasive pest threats
The Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey program, CAPS, focuses on the early detection and...
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News Releases
People observe a hands-on soil sampling demonstration during an Illinois Extension training.
Serve your community, become a Master Naturalist
MATTOON, Ill. – From neighborhood parks to the Shawnee National Forest, University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists volunteer as environmental stewards, helping protect Illinois' natural resources while connecting people with the outdoors.Illinois Extension is accepting...
Trash blast volunteers
Spring into action Woodsy Owl style
Johnson County, Ill. — Volunteers gathered at Dutchman Lake on June 5, 2026, for the fourth Trash Blast of the year, wrapping up the spring season of community-driven cleanup efforts focused on protecting and...
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