Mission of the Master Naturalist Program

The mission of the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Program is to provide science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards.

The program educates and trains adult volunteers so they are better equipped to share natural resource information with others in their communities and to assist with environmental conservation and restoration activities. We all have a responsibility to protect the natural resources in the places where we live in order to ensure our world is fit for the future. University of Illinois Extension partners with local agencies to accomplish the Master Naturalist mission.

Program Projects

The training will prepare volunteer Master Naturalists to more effectively participate in local environmental stewardship. They will learn about and may participate in citizen scientist activities. They will be able to share their knowledge, skills, and passion about the natural world with others so they also can become more engaged. Volunteer work includes, but is not limited to:

• Assisting in the management of local natural areas
• Completing natural resource related office work with special interest groups or not-for-profit agencies
• Teaching adults or children about natural areas
• Giving demonstrations and presentations to local groups
• Serving as a liaison between natural resource agencies and the public
• Serving as a resource person to groups in need of natural resource assistance

Application Process

1. Complete the pre-screening process. This initial step includes a comprehensive background check. It typically takes 2-4 weeks to get the results of the background checks back. Click here or copy and paste this link into your browser to begin the screening process: https://extension.illinois.edu/global/volunteer#start.  Scroll to the bottom of the page and under “Take the Next Step” select Master Naturalist.
2. Once your background check clears, you will receive a formal application to complete.
3. Once application materials have been reviewed by Extension Staff, you may be invited for a short 15-30-minute question and answer session with Extension Staff and current volunteers.
4. Accepted applicants will be notified via email. Course payment ($275) is due at this point. The Illinois Master Naturalist Handbook is included in the cost of the course.
5. Attend 12 week Master Naturalist training and complete 60-hour volunteer internship within 2 years.

Course Information and Schedule

Program participants can expect a minimum of 40 hours of coursework over the course of three months. Trainees will participate in field work, in-person and virtual classes and discussions, as well as independent learning via readings and videos from natural resource experts from across the state. The cost of the program is $275, which includes the Master Naturalist Training Manual.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be required to complete 60 hours of volunteer work at approved locations/project sites in Lake County before attaining the title of Master Naturalist. This is considered the "Internship" period of your training, and individuals will be given up to two years to complete this requirement. Once an individual is considered a Master Naturalist, they must commit to at least 30 hours of volunteering and 10 hours of continuing education a year in order to maintain their status as a Master Naturalist.

The training prepares volunteer Master Naturalists to participate in local environmental education and stewardship efforts more effectively. Trainees will learn about and may participate in citizen scientist activities, restoration work days, and interpretive programming. They will be able to share their knowledge, skills, and passion about the natural world with others so they also can become more engaged.

Adult trainees in the Master Naturalist program will learn about:

• Basic principles about the natural world.
• The interdependent nature of the plants and animals in the various ecosystems of Illinois.
• The animals specific to Illinois such as mammals, insects, reptiles and fish and birds.
• How everyone is part of and impacts nature in rural or urban areas.
• Practical techniques for both teaching about and managing natural areas.

The 2025 Master Naturalist Training Schedule is as follows. Please note that this schedule is tentative and subject to change. “Classroom Instruction” will take place at the University of Illinois Extension Office (100 S US Highway 45), though may occasionally take place via Zoom depending on the preference and availability of the instructor. 

August 11th – Introduction and Welcome. Extension Office. 6-8pm

August 23rd – Field Day. Location TBD. 9am-12pm

August 25th – Classroom Instruction. 6-8pm

September 6th – Field Day. Location TBD. 9am-12pm

September 8th – Classroom Instruction. 6-8pm

September 20th – Field Day. Location TBD. 9am-12pm

September 22nd – Classroom Instruction. 6-8pm

October 4th – Field Day. Location TBD. 9am-12pm

October 6th – Classroom Instruction. 6-8pm

October 18th – Field Day. Location TBD. 9am-12pm

October 20th – Classroom Instruction. 6-8pm

October 27th - Classroom Instruction. 6-8pm