OTTAWA, Ill. – Do you love spending time outside? Do you enjoy sharing your curiosity about the natural world with others? If so, the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program may be the perfect fit for you.
The Master Naturalist program connects adult learners with University of Illinois scientists and local environmental partners to build knowledge, strengthen conservation skills, and support hands-on stewardship. Volunteers gain a deeper understanding of local ecosystems while helping others connect with and care for the natural spaces that make our region unique.
Summer 2026 Training Opportunity
University of Illinois Extension serving Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam counties is pleased to offer a hybrid Master Naturalist volunteer training session beginning in Summer 2026. This eight‑week program runs from June 2, 2026, to July 31, 2026, and includes:
- Online, asynchronous coursework covering topics such as geology, archaeology, wetlands, ornithology, botany, and entomology.
- In‑person field trips to some of the area’s most inspiring natural sites, including the Sue & Wes Dixon Waterfowl Refuge, Starved Rock State Park, and Nachusa Grasslands.
Become a Certified Volunteer
After completing training, Master Naturalists participate in Illinois Extension‑approved environmental stewardship and educational outreach projects with local partners. To maintain certification, volunteers contribute 30 hours of service and 10 hours of continuing education annually. Illinois Extension offers ongoing learning opportunities and regular volunteer meetups to support your journey.
Adults aged 18 and over are welcome to register. Registration fee of $250 includes all training costs and materials. Space is limited. Registration closes May 15, 2026, or sooner if the class fills—apply early to secure your spot here!
For questions or if you need an accommodation to participate, please contact Emily Hansen at emhansen@illinois.edu or 815-433-0707. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
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.