MATTOON, Ill. – From neighborhood parks to the Shawnee National Forest, University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists volunteer as environmental stewards, helping protect Illinois' natural resources while connecting people with the outdoors.
Illinois Extension is accepting applications for Prairie's Edge Master Naturalist volunteer training, which begins Aug. 11 in Mattoon. The program offers participants the opportunity to learn from university experts while making a meaningful impact in their communities.
"Volunteer Master Naturalists are the heart and soul of community stewardship, enriching our environment one act of service at a time," said Master Naturalist Coordinator Jenny Lee. "Together, they help prevent the spread of invasive species, monitor the health of waterways and restore prairies."
Master Naturalists receive research-based training to become environmental stewards and educators. Volunteers share science-based information with the public and support local partners through conservation, education and stewardship projects.
Training will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 11 through Oct. 13, 2026, at Douglas-Hart Nature Center in Mattoon. Participants will complete 32 hours of classroom instruction and eight hours of fieldwork, learning about ecology, botany, soil health, archaeology, urban environments, birds, fish, reptiles, mammals and other natural resource topics. The program also provides practical techniques for teaching about and managing natural areas.
After completing the training, volunteers will work toward 60 hours of service over two years with local partner organizations, including Douglas-Hart Nature Center, Grand Prairie Friends and the Coles County Soil and Water Conservation District. Volunteer opportunities may include leading educational programs, coordinating invasive species removal projects and monitoring wildlife populations.
Applications are being accepted online through July 27 at go.illinois.edu/MasterNaturalistTraining2026. Acceptance into the program includes a background check and an informal in-person interview. The $250 program fee covers training, materials, and field trips. Partial fee waivers are available for those who qualify. Because the training is offered only every other year, interested participants are encouraged to apply early.
For more information, contact program coordinator Jenny Lee at 217-345-7034.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact 217-543-3755. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your 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.