What is a Master Naturalist? 

A Master Naturalist appreciates, understands, and respects the natural world and, in so doing so, nourishes a sense of belonging with the rest of nature. A Master Naturalist may express this by: 

• Learning more about nature whenever possible
• Communing with nature in meaningful ways
• Conserving and restoring the land community
• Modifying behaviors to lighten his or her personal ecological “footprint”
• Sharing personal knowledge and experiences with others.

Mission of the Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Program

Our mission is to provide science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards.

The program educates and trains adult volunteers so they are better equipped to share natural resource information with others in their communities and to assist with environmental conservation and restoration activities. We all have a responsibility to protect the natural resources in the places where we live in order to ensure our world is fit for the future. University of Illinois Extension partners with local agencies to accomplish the Master Naturalist mission.

Program Projects

The training will prepare volunteer Master Naturalists to more effectively participate in local environmental stewardship. They will learn about and may participate in citizen scientist activities. They will be able to share their knowledge, skills, and passion about the natural world with others so they also can become more engaged. Volunteer work includes, but is not limited to:

• Assisting in the management of local natural areas
• Completing natural resource related office work with special interest groups or not-for-profit agencies
• Teaching adults or children about natural areas
• Giving demonstrations and presentations to local groups
• Serving as a liaison between natural resource agencies and the public
• Serving as a resource person to groups in need of natural resource assistance