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Become a Master Naturalist

Learn more about how you can become a volunteer and facilitate conservation in your community.

Volunteer Database, GivePulse

Active Master Naturalist volunteers, log your volunteer and continuing education hours here.

Everyday Environment Series

Explore the intricate web of connections that bind us to the natural world through blogs, podcasts, and webinars.

Read about nature

Be inspired to get outside and appreciate Illinois' natural beauty all seasons of the year.

Learn about Illinois wildlife

Learn about how you can support Illinois wildlife and navigate everyday encounters with research-based information you can trust.

Winter Tree Identification Workshop on You Tube

Have you always been 'stumped' by winter tree ID? Sharpen your skills with Chris Evans, Extension Educator in Forestry in this three part workshop

Upcoming Events

Next Steps in Nature Journaling

September 13, 2025

County

Livingston

Green Connections: Creating a Bird-friendly Yard

September 16, 2025

County

Fulton

Mason

Peoria

Tazewell

Nature Trails Day

September 20, 2025

County

McLean

Wild Colors Workshop

September 24, 2025

County

Whiteside

Carroll

Lee

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Recent News

Matthew Vann, Illinois Extension Associate Dean and Director, wears a blue vest over a light blue button -up shirt

August 18, 2025

University of Illinois Extension announces NC State agricultural leader as its new director
URBANA, Ill. — Matthew Vann has been named the new associate dean and director of University of Illinois Extension, the flagship public engagement organization housed in...

Master Naturalist volunteers posing with their diplomas

August 11, 2025

Master Naturalists welcome 18 new environmental steward volunteers
OGLESBY, Ill. – The Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam County Master Naturalists welcomed 18 new volunteers to their ranks on August 1.Helen Mlynarski, Ellen Evancheck, Pete Johnston, Coleen Piggott, Jillian Pender, Hannah Safiran, Cheryl Heitz, Patricia Meagher, Faye Barakat,...

A group of people outside standing under elevated bat boxes on poles

August 7, 2025

Simple design changes can make bat boxes safer
URBANA, Ill. — Imagine moving into a new house just to discover it has no insulation. That’s what life can be like for a bat box resident.Bat boxes, a kind of artificial roost, are a simple and cost-effective way to increase habitat for these flying mammals. They’re a preferred spot for...

August 4, 2025

Get ready for Nature Trails Day—A family adventure in the great outdoors!
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — A family day outside filled with guided hikes and hands-on activities for kids and adults, what could be better? Nature Trails Day is right around the corner, and now is the time to register and select what activities your family wants to explore! Hosted by the University of...

July 31, 2025

Think outside the box turtle with program exploring 20 years of wildlife research
URBANA, Ill. — Every box turtle has a story to tell. These charismatic, long-lived turtles are omnivorous and use both land and water ecosystems, which makes them a good indicator of how strong the overall ecosystem is. In the last 18 years, the Wildlife Epidemiology Lab at...

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Take your love of nature to the next level

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