BENTON, Ill – Do you love spending time outdoors? Are you passionate about giving back to your community? The Illinois Master Naturalist training program is seeking individuals interested in becoming active environmental stewards in southern Illinois.
Illinois Extension is dedicated to strengthening the bond between local communities and the natural world. The program helps cultivate a new generation of learners who are connected to the outdoors while offering opportunities for personal growth, service, and fulfillment.
In 2026, Illinois Extension will offer a hybrid training program for the next cohort of Master Naturalists. This training blends science-based education with self-paced online assignments, in-person learning experiences, and group discussions.
Regional specialists will lead sessions covering topics such as ecology, invasive species, rivers and streams, aquatic life, ornithology, forestry, geology, herpetology, entomology, and more. Participants will engage with a variety of learning tools, including an online course, a printed manual, hands-on activities, and guided hikes.
Horticulture Educator Kimberly Rohling explains that the program empowers local residents to take an active role in conservation and environmental education efforts throughout their communities.
The diverse landscapes of southern Illinois offer countless ways to get involved,” Rohling said. “Volunteers can help restore and steward natural areas, help maintain native pollinator gardens, interpret programs, or gather valuable data as community scientists.”
The fee for the spring course is $250, which includes ten weeks of online materials and live sessions. Training sessions are on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from March 13 to May 22. The group will meet at the Rend Lake Visitor Center located at 11981 Rend City Rd, Benton, IL 62812.
To join the training, download an interest form at go.illinois.edu/2026MNIF. The deadline to receive interest forms is Wednesday, February 18. At least 10 participants are required in order to hold the volunteer training; invite a friend. Becoming a Master Naturalist volunteer requires a background screening process. To learn more about becoming a Master Naturalist, contact Program Coordinator Erica Lunde at 618-687-1727 or eplunde@illinois.edu.
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 700 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 six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.