Title
2025 Illinois Extension Master Naturalist state conference
Pull out the binoculars this fall and wander through some of LaSalle County's most notable natural areas at the 2025 Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Conference. Spot migratory bird species before their flight south, on birding hikes beneath Starved Rock State Park's sandstone overhangs and through the wetland restoration of Dixon Waterfowl Refuge. Each step through these immersive tours and sessions brings into focus the importance of restoration in resilient ecosystems.
With expert guides, observe and enjoy hands-on learning at the intersection of stewardship, science, and modern approaches to restoration. This year, make connections and see conservation from a renewed lens.
For questions about registration, please contact Michelle Uphoff at mluphoff@illinois.edu or 815-875-2878. If you need an accommodation to participate, please contact Emily Hansen at emhansen@illinois.edu or 815-224-0896. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
2025 State Conference Schedule
Oct. 9 Tours
Starved Rock State Park – Birding and History
Explore the Illinois Canyon Trail at Starved Rock State Park and observe fall migratory species as they head south for the winter. The guided hike will be led by Alyssa Rod, President of Starved Rock Audubon. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars. After the hike, join us at the Visitor Center to learn about the history of Starved Rock.
Visitor Center: 2678 East 873 Road, Oglesby, IL 61348
Additional costs: $10, bring a packed lunch.
Agenda: 9–12 PM: Hike; 12–1 PM: Lunch at Visitor Center; 1–2 PM History of Starved Rock
Starved Rock State Park – Natural Features and History
Explore the St. Louis Canyon Trail at Starved Rock State Park and learn about the unique ecology and geology of the area. Lisa Sons, the Starved Rock State Park Natural Resources coordinator, will lead the guided hike. After the hike, join us at the Visitor Center to learn about the history of Starved Rock.
Visitor Center: 2678 East 873 Road, Oglesby, IL 61348
Additional costs: $10, bring a packed lunch
Agenda: 9 AM-12 PM: Hike; 12 PM-1 PM: lunch at Visitor Center, 1-2 PM: History of Starved Rock
Dixon Waterfowl Refuge
Explore the 3,000-acre Sue and Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge in Hennepin. Learn about wetland restoration, go on a guided hike, and observe the numerous species of birds and native plants found at the refuge. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars. The hike will be led by The Wetlands Initiative staff members, Justin Siebert, Peter Goodspeed, and Katie Kucera.
Address: 780 E Rd, Hennepin, IL 61327
Additional costs: $10, bring a packed lunch
Agenda: 9–11 AM: Hike and Birdwatching, 11–12 PM: Lunch, 12 PM-1 PM: Hike
Starved Rock Dam, Hennepin Canal, and Birding
Start your day by visiting the Starved Rock Lock and Dam, where you will learn about the history of water transportation in Illinois, beginning from the Native American canoe and ending with modern transportation. Then explore the scenic Hennepin Canal and enjoy a dynamic workshop and hike — "Becoming a Better Bird Guide" — led by Brian "Fox" Ellis (Illinois Audubon).
Whether you have led a hundred bird hikes or have only been birding alone, this dynamic workshop is poised to help you take it up a few notches to lead truly memorable birding hikes. In this round robin sharing, we will share what works, what engages participants, and what each of us has to offer. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars.
Participants are requested to eat lunch on the way to the Hennepin Canal Visitor Center or bring a packed lunch.
Starved Rock Lock and Dam: 950 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350
Hennepin Canal Visitor's Center: 16006 875 E. St., Sheffield, IL 61361
Additional costs: $10, bring a packed lunch or lunch on your own
Agenda: 9–11 AM: Starved Rock Lock and Dam; 11–12:30 PM: Drive to Hennepin Canal Visitor Center and Lunch; 12:30–2:30 PM: Hennepin Canal Visitor Center and "Becoming a Better Bird Guide"
Dayton Bluffs and Belrose Farm
Explore some of The Conservation Foundation's restoration sites in LaSalle County with TCF Land Stewardship Manager Renae Frigo and Master Naturalist volunteers David Manigold and Chris Woeltje. Dayton Bluffs Preserve is a 253-acre natural area preserve along the Fox River in Ottawa. It features restored prairie and woodland areas. Belrose Farm is a 183-acre site that features a mix of productive farmland, forested ravines, and scenic St. Peter sandstone bluffs.
Dayton Bluffs Preserve: 2997 IL-71, Ottawa, IL 61350
Belrose Farm: E 2351st Rd, Serena, IL 60549
Additional costs: $10, bring a packed lunch.
Agenda: 9–11 AM: Dayton Bluffs Preserve; 11–12 PM: Lunch at Dayton Bluffs; 12–2 PM: Belrose Farm
Starved Rock Kayak Tour
Explore Starved Rock on a guided kayak tour and see what hikers cannot see. You will paddle through the pristine waters to view the towering St. Peter's Sandstone Bluffs and the local flora and fauna — like bald eagles, pelicans, and lotus flowers. This tour is suitable for both experienced kayakers and beginners. Please arrive 30 minutes before the start of the tour.
Address: 1170 N 27th Rd, Ottawa, IL 61350
Additional costs: $49
Agenda: 10 AM-12 PM: guided kayak tour
Fall Colors Trolley Tour – Starved Rock State Park
Experience the spectacular display of fall colors with a 45-minute guided hike to scenic Council Overhang and Ottawa Canyon. Then relax on a Starved Rock trolley ride and enjoy lunch off a special menu in the restaurant at Starved Rock Lodge.
Address: Starved Rock Lodge: One Lodge Ln, Oglesby, IL 61348
Additional costs: $40, includes lunch at Starved Rock Lodge
Agenda: 9:15 AM: Check in; 9:30 AM: Trolley departs for the trolley tour and a 45-minute hike; 12 PM: Return to the Lodge and be seated for lunch.
Coordinator Retreat at Nell's Woodland
Unplug from work and relax with your colleagues at the Master Naturalist Coordinator Retreat at Nell's Woodland in Ottawa. This 58-acre preserve features 6,800 feet of walking trails and beautiful indoor meeting spaces. Coordinators Bettyann Harrison and Alison Meanor will lead a nature journaling workshop. This session is for Extension staff only. Heavy appetizers will be provided.
Address: 2000 Alexis Ave, Ottawa, IL 61350
Time: 1 PM-4 PM
Evening at Nell's Woodland
Finish day one with an evening mixer from 6-9 PM at Nell's Woodland in Ottawa. This 58-acre preserve features 6,800 feet of walking trails and beautiful indoor meeting spaces. Food will be provided. Activities will include a nocturnal bird hike led by keynote speaker Tara Beveroth, a haunted hike led by local guide Joe Jakupcak, and s'mores by the fire.
Address: 2000 Alexis Ave, Ottawa, IL 61350
Note: Max registration of 100
Time: 6-9 PM
Oct. 10 Conference
Location: Illinois Valley Community College, 815 N Orlando Smith St, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
*Note: Two of the Oct. 10 presentations have been updated. In session 2 Illinois' Native Conifers: Identification and Ecology with Justin Vozzo is being offered in place of the prescribed fire presentation; and in session 3 Keeping Feral Swine Out of Illinois with Peggy Anesi is being offered in place of the Asian carp presentation.
Main Sessions:
9-10:30 AM | Keynote Address
Keynote Presenter: Tara Beveroth, Illinois Natural History Survey
Citizen Science and Conservation: Bridging the Gap Between Birders and Science to Benefit Ecosystems
There are too few scientists to accomplish what an organized and dedicated group of citizen scientists can. In Illinois, we have a long-standing birding community that is multigenerational. Learn how citizen science informs ecosystem management and provides support for future investigations.
10:30-11:15 AM | Citizen Science Panel Discussion
Presenters: Master Naturalist volunteers Chris Woeltje, LaSalle County; Audrey King, DeKalb County; Brandie Dunn, McHenry County; Ann Shult, DeKalb County; and Dianne Feasley, McLean County
Learn about the citizen science projects fellow Master Naturalists are working on and how to get involved. Projects that will be discussed include the Calling Frog Survey, bat acoustic monitoring, dragonfly monitoring, bluebird monitoring, bumblebee monitoring, and crane counts.
11:30-12:30 PM | Breakout Sessions 1:
It is a Ticky World | Teresa Steckler, Extension Specialist, Commercial Agriculture
Are tick populations increasing throughout Illinois and elsewhere? Could invasive plants play a role, or is wildlife use in areas with invasive plants contributing to these changes? We will explore data collected at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center to try to answer this question.
The role of wildlife rehabilitation and an introduction to the Wildlife Medical Clinic at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine | Stephany Lewis, Wildlife Medical Clinic
This session will introduce the field of wildlife rehabilitation, its role in the community, and how it can impact animal welfare, public health, public education, wildlife research, and wildlife conservation. We will also introduce the University of Illinois's Wildlife Medical Clinic at the College of Veterinary Medicine and briefly describe our mission and some past and ongoing research projects.
Ice Age beginnings: The Origins and Archaeology of Starved Rock |Tom Loebel, Illinois State Archaeological Survey
A product of the last Ice Age, the unique geologic and ecological resources of the Starved Rock area have been the focus of human occupation for over 13,000 years. This talk will review the geologic history of the Starved Rock area, the Ice Age archaeological record of the region, and other notable sites and excavations in and around the park.
2-3 PM | Breakout Sessions 2:
Addressing Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Illinois Aquatic Ecosystems | Sarah Zack, Extension Specialist, Great Lakes Contaminants
Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) are chemicals and other materials found in the environment, but whose risk to aquatic life and people is not fully understood or regulated. CECs, including substances like pharmaceuticals and personal care products, microplastics, and PFAS, are increasingly causing concern due to their presence in municipal water supplies and natural waters. The body of knowledge regarding CECs is ever-growing as we learn more about the sources, fate, impacts, and management of these chemicals. This talk will provide information about CECs of particular relevance to aquatic ecosystems in Illinois.
Illinois' Native Conifers: Identification and Ecology | Justin Vozzo, Extension Specialist in Forestry
When we consider the native trees of Illinois, conifers are not always the first species that come to mind; however, understanding the ecology of these trees can engage us to think more deeply about the history of the landscapes we live in. This talk will familiarize attendees with Illinois' native conifers; we will discuss distributions and other unique ecological characteristics for each species. As naturalists and land stewards, understanding Illinois' conifers broadens our perspective of our many unique habitats and plant associations.
Regional Wetland Ecology in Illinois | Katie Kucera, The Wetland Initiative
Katie Kucera, Lead Ecologist for the Wetlands Initiative, will share an overview of wetlands in Illinois, including their natural history and ecology, why we need wetlands, and how to restore wetland ecosystems. She will also share a few case-study examples of important regional wetlands.
3-4 PM | Breakout Sessions 3:
Keeping Feral Swine Out of Illinois | Peggy Anesi, Extension Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator
Feral swine, also known as Eurasian boar or feral hogs, are not native to North America. Peggy Anesi, on behalf of the USDA-WS and the IDNR, will be sharing information on feral swine and why we do not want these invasive species to become established in Illinois. There are no known populations currently in the state, and no population has ever been confirmed outside of Fulton, Pike, and the adjoining counties. Anesi will talk about the threats to land, fish, and wildlife if these animals show up on a property. She will also share research and successful methods of removal.
Planting native plants for pollinators | Lesley Deem, Illinois Natural History Survey
This presentation will discuss plants to feed caterpillars, moths, butterflies, and nectar plants for butterflies and bees.
The Effects of Forest Management on the Conservation of Forest-Breeding Birds | Jeff Hoover, Illinois Natural History Survey
In this presentation, Dr. Hoover will describe results from research documenting how landscape-scale (e.g., defragmenting forests) and local-scale (e.g., prescribed fire) management of forests on public lands affects the nesting success and relative abundances of birds breeding in those forests.
Resource Fair Tables
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves
Illinois Audubon Society
The Wetlands Initiative
The Conservation Foundation
Xerces Society
Suggested Accommodations
Camping/Glamping: Starved Rock State Park Campground, Kayak Starved Rock Campground, Pleasant Creek Campground, Camp Aramoni, Hungry World Farm, Postcard Cabins
Hotels: Starved Rock Lodge, Grand Bear Resort, Best Western Oglesby, Hampton Inn & Suites Peru, Holiday Inn Express Ottawa
Extend your trip…
The Illinois Valley is a popular destination for tourists from both within Illinois and beyond. Consider extending your trip to check out some of the other local destinations.
State parks: Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, Buffalo Rock State Park, Illini State Park, Hennepin Canal State Park
Local sites: Sue & Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, Illinois River Road, Downtown Ottawa, Reddick Mansion, August Hill Winery, I&M Canal Visitor Center, Downtown Utica
Conference Merchandise
Pre-order Master Naturalist T-shirts during event registration. Merchandise will be available for pickup at the conference.
