Quincy, Ill. – Within parks, streams, and native prairies, University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists serve as environmental stewards in their communities. Master Naturalists in west-central Illinois volunteered over 460 hours in 2023. Illinois Extension is now opening registration for the next training slated for this spring. The course begins on April 3, 2024.
“Master Naturalist volunteers put in thousands of hours each year throughout the state supporting the environmental issues they are most passionate about,” Natural Resource Extension Educator, Amy Lefringhouse. “Together we’re able to help prevent the spread of invasive species, plant and restore native prairies, and educate community members on everything from Illinois bats to Illinois trees.”
Volunteer training will be held during select Wednesday evenings and select Saturdays from April 3 through June 13. The program includes 12 hours of classroom instruction, 10 hours of self-study, and 19 hours of field work to introduce basic principles of the natural world and practical techniques for teaching about and managing natural areas. The training covers environmental topics including ecology, botany, soil health, prairies, rivers and streams, birds, fish, reptiles, mammals, and more.
“Connecting to others who share a love for nature and learning from natural resource professionals are highlights for the course,” states Kinsey Tiemann, the program’s local coordinator. “Participants gain behind the scenes access to local nature areas.”
Applications are due March 20. The course schedule and applications are available online at go.illinois.edu/WCILMasterNaturalist. Acceptance into the program requires a background check. The program fee is $175, which covers training, Master Naturalist manual, and field trips.
For more information, contact program coordinators Amy Lefringhouse or Kinsey Tiemann at (217)223-8380.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact Amy Lefringhouse at (217) 223-8380. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your needs.
SOURCE: Amy Lefringhouse, Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator, Illinois Extension
Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities. Illinois Extension is part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.