The University of Illinois Extension is looking for individuals who are passionate about nature and interested in becoming more active in our community. If this describes you or someone you know, Illinois Extension invites you to check out the Illinois Master Naturalist Program. The Master Naturalist program is a volunteer training program designed to educate participants about our local plants, animals and ecosystems while connecting them to meaningful volunteer opportunities in our region. Examples of volunteer projects performed by current Master Naturalists include butterfly monitoring, natural areas restoration, plant inventories, adult and youth educational programming, bird banding, prairie burns, native plant and pollinator garden construction, and much more.

If you can envision yourself helping out with these types of projects, please consider joining us this summer! Master Naturalist training will be held on Thursday Evenings from 4 to 8 p.m., beginning on August 15 and ending October 17. Classes will be held at a different locations in Stephenson County and taught by local experts. A $200 fee includes a training manual, over 40 hours of instruction, and ongoing volunteer support for as long as you remain active. The standard cost of the program is $250, $50 of the program fee for each participant is generously supported by the Stephenson County 4H and Extension Foundation. For more information and to register, visit go.illinois.edu/jsw or call (815) 235-4125. Registration closes August 1.