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News You Can Use

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

Speaker's Network Training

January 15, 2026

Winter Nature Walk

January 17, 2026

County

LaSalle

Forest Health Updates and Fungal Mutualists

January 20, 2026

Speaker's Network Training

January 22, 2026

County

Fulton

Mason

Peoria

Tazewell

More Events

Recent News

December 30, 2025

Extension Unwrapped: Top local stories in 2025
BOURBONNAIS, Ill — As 2025 winds down, University of Illinois Extension in Grundy, Kankakee, and Will counties is taking a look back at the stories that shaped the year. From community programs that made a difference to heartwarming stories of impact, these highlights reflect the Extension...

December 16, 2025

Winter Nature Walk with Illinois Master Naturalists at Nell’s Woodland offers a peaceful escape
OGLESBY, Ill. – Bundle up and experience the quiet beauty of winter with Illinois Master Naturalists at our Winter Nature Walk at Nell’s Woodland (2000 Alexis Ave, Ottawa, IL 61350) on January 17, 2026, from 11...

December 16, 2025

Master Naturalists provide critical data on local frog and toad populations
OTTAWA, Ill. – The Calling Frog Survey is a citizen science project that invites community members to learn how to identify frog calls and contribute valuable data to amphibian conservation efforts. Before the Calling Frog Survey began, little was known about the distribution and status of...

December 15, 2025

Get to Know Our Natural World at Winter Trails and Naturalist Tales
WINNEBAGO COUNTY- Nature lovers of Northern Illinois area are invited to uncover some of nature’s hidden tales and trails on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, at Illinois Extension’s annual program, Winter Trails and Naturalist Tales. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenes, Torstenson’s...

View looking from the ground up into a large tree filled with lush, green leaves

December 9, 2025

Tree care expertise grows through Illinois Extension webinar series
URBANA, Ill. — Tree care isn't always led just by certified arborists, so University of Illinois Extension is ensuring that everyone has access to research-backed information on practicing proper tree care. “Trees are more than scenery,...

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