DECATUR, Ill. — Connecting people with nature and encouraging environmental stewardship is essential to becoming a more sustainable society. University of Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalist training program prepares adult volunteers to become environmental stewards. Registration for the winter training session is open now until Jan. 5.
Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalist Program educates and trains adult volunteers, so they will be able to share their knowledge, skill, and passion for the natural world with the community. The training includes a minimum of forty hours of classroom instruction on topics such as Soils of Illinois, Environmental Ethics, Wetlands, Urban Areas and Wildlife, and Forests of Illinois, in addition to field-based training.
Master Naturalist Training for DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt counties will be from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays beginning Jan. 10 and ending March 28. Training sessions will be at the Macon County Extension Office, 3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd., in Decatur. Some classes may also be at Rock Springs.
“This is a great opportunity to learn more about our local ecosystems and the part you can play in it,” says Extension Educator Doug Gucker.
Master Naturalist training is open to individuals eighteen years and over. The fee for the training is $150, but fee waivers are available. Register by Jan. 5 at go.illinois.edu/Naturalist. For questions, please contact Julia Duncan at 217-877-6042 or email julia8@illinois.edu.
University of Ilinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact 217-877-6042. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your access needs.
SOURCE: Doug Gucker, Local Food Systems and Small Farms Extension Educator, University of Illinois Extension
WRITER: Maria Lightner, Marketing and Communications, University of Illinois Extension
ABOUT EXTENSION: Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses, and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions, and adapt to changes and opportunities.