Master Naturalist Projects
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Fugate Woods
Fugate Woods Nature Preserve is home to more than 150 acres of native timber and restored prairie. This space can serve as a living classroom where visitors are invited to hike the trails to experience wildlife and plants. Trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Only foot traffic is allowed, and pets must be leashed*.
In partnership with Prairie Lands Foundation, Master Naturalists lead exciting outdoor educational programs for all ages year-round. With a variety of events, there is sure to be fun for everyone.
In 2024, Master Naturalists initiated the Fugate Challenge, where participants complete eight fun outdoor activities at Fugate Woods Nature Preserve and then are honored and receive a neat prize. This challenge has no time limit, is open to all ages, and is free! Experience two events, develop two skills, volunteer twice, and attend two educational programs to complete the challenge. Learn more about the Fugate Challenge here.
*Except Mother’s Day and firearm deer season
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Humiston Woods
Humiston Woods holds 336 acres of hardwood forest and 8 acres of restored prairie. The trust that developed Humiston Woods Nature Center as an outdoor classroom was established in 1975 and has since served as a unique natural retreat for families, school groups, and community organizations. The preserve offers various outdoor experiences as the woods originally were used as a scout camp and county-wide picnic area. The woods are home to over 160 varieties of native plants and a variety of wildlife.
Master Naturalists use the site for educational programs and assist with school group field trips at Humiston Woods.
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ParkLands Foundation
Master Naturalists volunteer their time to pursue environmental stewardship at a number of ParkLands sites. ParkLands was founded in 1967 to protect, preserve, and manage the natural landscape in the Mackinaw River watershed.
Master Naturalists work to remove invasive species, plant new trees, maintain trails, monitor the preserve, and perform other tasks as needed. Master Naturalists also serve as trail leaders during ParkLand’s “Walk with a Naturalist” events. The preserves are open to the public from dawn to dusk.
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Grand Prairie Bird Alliance
Located along the Constitution Trail
The Grand Prairie Bird Alliance aims to engage and promote activities to foster an understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Master Naturalists steward the area during numerous work days to restore and protect native habitats for pollinators and local wildlife. The site is also used for educational programming about native plants.
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Hedge Apple Woods
Located Near Ewing Parks I and II
Hedge Apple Woods, under the Bloomington Parks and Recreation, is a great place to explore. Within Ewing Park I and Ewing Park II, community members experience shade from nature, native trees, various trails, and Sugar Creek.
Master Naturalists work in Hedge Apple Woods to remove invasives and restore natives. Many wildflowers return in the spring, and the local community can see their beauty.
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Illinois State University Horticulture Center
The ISU Horticulture Center is comprised of 23 acres which is used as an outdoor living laboratory for students, as well as a serene setting to educate and connect community visitors with nature. The Center has a variety of gardens, including a children’s discovery garden, vegetable garden, shade garden, herb garden, textile garden, grain garden, pinetum, and prairie.
Master Naturalists assist with maintaining the gardens and monitor bird nesting houses that are on the property. During the Hort Center’s Fall Festival, Master Naturalists have a booth and take visitors through the prairie to share info about the prairie and plants. Extension volunteers also host site events to encourage mindfulness, wellness, and outdoor education.
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Illinois Art Station
101 Vernon Ave, Normal, IL 61761
Illinois Grand Prairie Master Naturalists and McLean County Master Gardeners work with the Illinois Art Station to build a space for all people to experience and build respect for the natural environment and to provide an educational learning nature site for youth and their families—from all neighborhoods and backgrounds.
The garden space, designed and maintained by Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners, promotes wildlife habitat. By removing invasive species, the habitat for all native species, both plant and animal, is improved.
Trees on site serve as a roosting site for Monarch butterflies during annual migration, and the site is registered as a Monarch Waystation.
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Unity Community Center
632 Orlando Ave, Normal, IL 61761
The Unity Community Center is an after-school program that seeks to support students from Unit 5 School districts. Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners work together to create and facilitate educational activities for the youth.
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Ecology Action Center
202 W College Ave, Normal, IL 61761
The Ecology Action Center is a nonprofit organization that seeks environmental sustainability for Bloomington/Normal. Master Naturalists assist Ecology Action Center through Sugar Creek Stewards, annual tree plantings, recycling initiatives, and other resource stewardship opportunities.
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Funks Grove
The Funks Grove Nature Preserve is an 18-acre stretch of land and has been protected for 160 years. Currently, Funks Grove is engaging in a revitalization project that seeks to promote the replanting and growth of oak trees.
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Wild Ones
The Illinois Prairie Chapter of Wild Ones aims to prioritize the use of native plants in rural and urban spaces. Master Naturalist volunteers learn from Wild Ones continuing educational programs, often partnering in related public events.