Master Naturalist

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Blog Posts
Karen Weigelt using forestry tool
Using forestry tools was the core lesson at recent Extension workshop
Every tree has a story to tell, you just need the right tools to read it. Those stories are written in tree rings, hidden in their height, and tucked...
homeowner looking at yard
New homeowners should take time to learn their yard
By Deborah Lane, Extension Master Gardener, Serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and Tazewell CountiesAs a Master Gardener volunteer, I have...
Nipper Wildlife Refuge
Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary: A local nature classroom
By Roberta Clifton, Extension Master Naturalist, serving Fulton, Mason, Peoria, and TazewellOff the beaten path, but only 30 minutes from our capital...
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...
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News Releases
pumpkin decorated with leopard face
Free pumpkin-themed family event
JONESBORO, Ill. — Illinois Extension is excited to welcome families to the sixth annual Pumpkin Extravaganza, an afternoon celebrating all things pumpkins, on Monday, October 12, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at...
Volunteers in costumes at Boo at the Slough Event
Boo at the Slough invites families to learn about swamp creatures
CYPRESS, Ill. — Vultures, snapping turtles and cottonmouths, oh my! Do you want to learn more about creatures of the swamp? Come out to the Henry N. Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center, 8885 IL-37, Cypress, on Sunday, Oct. 25, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for...
Master Naturalist volunteers completing bat survey at Dixon Waterfowl Refuge
Master Naturalist volunteers help monitor bat populations in LaSalle County
As bat conservation efforts continue across Illinois, Master Naturalist volunteers in LaSalle County are helping researchers better understand local bat populations through acoustic monitoring surveys and public education programs.Since 2025, the University of Illinois Extension has...
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Videos
Community Science in Your Backyard

At Everyday Environment, we enjoy noticing everyday observations of cool things in nature, many of which can be found in backyards and local parks. These everyday observations can be used to help scientists better understand the climate, species phenology, and more. Explore how everyone can...
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Staff
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