DECATUR, Ill. – Do you feel a connection to nature? Are you passionate about the environment? Why not use your skills and talents for the Master Naturalist Program through University of Illinois Extension. The Master Naturalist training program begins this fall and educates adult volunteers to be better equipped to share natural resource information with others. Master Naturalists also assist with environmental conservation and restoration activities in their communities.
The Master Naturalist training covers topics such as geology, weather and climate, wetlands, ethics, entomology, prairie, botany, rivers and stream and much more. There will be 11 evening training sessions.
“Central Illinois has a wealth of nature to explore,” says Master Naturalist Program Coordinator, Dena Hyde. “This program touches on a lot of topics to help you have a better understanding of everything from your backyard to local nature areas.”
Classes begin September 1 and will be every Tuesday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. through November 17. There may also be some Saturday field trips. In-person classes will be held at the Macon County Extension Office located at 3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd. in Decatur. Zoom will be used for virtual classes and requires participant to have a computer and internet connection. At this time, it has not been determined whether classes will be in-person or virtual.
Cost for the class is $150 per person. Participants may be eligible for partial fee waivers. Master Naturalists must be 18 years of age. Register online or call 217.877.6042 by August 15. If you have any questions, please contact Dena at denahyde@illinois.edu or 217.877.6042.
The Glacier’s Edge Master Naturalists are environmental volunteers trained by University of Illinois Extension. Master Naturalists volunteer their time and talents with community projects and educational outreach. To learn more visit our Facebook.
Register Online
Contact
Dena Hyde
Program Coordinator, Agriculture
Macon Extension Office
3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd., Decatur, IL 62521
(217) 877-6042
denahyde@illinois.edu