OTTAWA, Ill. – The University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program in Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam counties welcomed a new class of volunteers during a graduation ceremony held on July 31.
Sara Egan, Ann Kafer, Debbie Glaser Quinn, Gene Anderson, Lynn Newman, Erin Miller, Todd Witek, Juliann Budde, Stacy Zawacki, Brian Clark, Pat Devane, and Mitch Neimann successfully completed eight weeks of training designed to deepen their understanding of Illinois' natural resources and prepare them to serve as environmental stewards in their communities.
During their training, participants explored a variety of topics, including local ecosystems, native plants, birds and wildlife, habitat restoration, and environmental interpretation. Through classroom instruction and hands-on field experiences, trainees gained the knowledge and skills needed to support conservation efforts, lead educational programs, and engage community members in learning about the natural world.
“We are excited to welcome these new Master Naturalist volunteers,” said Emily Hansen, University of Illinois Extension ag and natural resources educator. “Their dedication to learning about our natural resources and sharing that knowledge with others will strengthen conservation and environmental education efforts throughout our region. We look forward to the many ways they will make a difference in their communities.”
The Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program provides adults with opportunities to connect their interests in nature, conservation, and education with meaningful volunteer service. Following training, volunteers work alongside partner organizations to restore habitats, monitor wildlife, support citizen science projects, maintain natural areas, and provide environmental education for people of all ages.
As they begin their volunteer service, the new graduates will work toward completing 60 hours of service within their first two years. Volunteers contribute their time and talents at partner sites throughout the Illinois Valley, including Starved Rock State Park, Dayton Bluffs Preserve, Amboy Marsh Nature Preserve, and Dixon Waterfowl Refuge.
Since its inception, the Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program has connected volunteers with opportunities to protect and enhance Illinois' natural resources while fostering greater public appreciation and understanding of the environment.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.