Home Illinois Master Naturalist Program Master Naturalist Annual Conference

Master Naturalist Annual Conference

Rooted in the Prairie: Deep Connections Lasting Impact

2026 Illinois Extension Master Naturalist state conference

October 15-16

Join us in Springfield, Illinois, on October 15th and 16th  for the 2026 Illinois Master Naturalist Conference. This statewide event brings together Master Naturalist volunteers and Extension staff from across the state to learn, grow, and connect. 

This year’s conference theme, “Rooted in Prairie: Deep Connections, Lasting Impacts,” highlights the ecological, cultural, and scientific importance of prairie systems and the enduring relationships that connect people, land, and science.

Save the date on your calendar and be sure to look for registration in August.

2025 Conference Photos

Photos by Emily Steele, Shekina Mullen, Rosie Ralston, Shibu Kar, and Brodie Dunn 

Group of people walking through a prairie.
People kayaking next to Starved Rock State Park formations.
Man pointing off into the distance standing in a prairie.
Person holding a plant stem with seed pods.
Group of people walking through a forest with a tour guide.
Someone holding a phone with a photo of a plant on it.
Shipping container with a man standing on the right.
Group of people clapping in an auditorium.
People walking through a forested area with a tour guide.
Group of people outside listening to a tour guide.
People looking up with binoculars and cameras for birds.
Women giving a speech standing at a podium with a microphone.
Crowd of people in a large auditorium listening to a keynote speaker.
Panel of speakers sitting at a table with a host standing at a podium.