The 2019 University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist training session is set to begin on Tuesday, September 10. Any adult (18 years or older) who loves the outdoors, has a concern for the local environment and wants to provide education and service to help your local community will benefit from this program. You do not need to have a college degree or years of experience. You need to have a sincere desire to learn and share information about nature to the community through Extension projects and programing.
The classes, which are hosted at various locations in Bond, Clinton, Jefferson, Marion and Washington counties, will cover a wide range of topics related to local natural areas. Local specialists provide both classroom and hands-on training on Urban Wildlife, Environmental Ethics, Wetlands, Soils, Climate, Forestry, Geology, Prairies, Mammals, Birds, General Ecology, Insects, Archeology and Aquatics.
Students from previous years share that they enjoy the rotation of teaching sites. One participant said, "I have learned of so many natural areas that I was unaware of." Another student shared, "Just being in a natural setting has inspired me to learn more about Southern Illinois natural areas."
The mission of the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Program is to provide science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards.
The Master Naturalist program is a great way to connect locally with others who enjoy nature and nature study. Cultivate your curiosity about nature with the Master Naturalist program. For reasonable accommodations to participate please call 618/526-4551
Register online at https://web.extension.illinois.edu/bcjmw/ or by calling 618/526-4551.