Quincy, Ill. – Illinois Master Naturalist volunteers are making a significant impact in their communities, connecting people with nature through conservation, education, and hands-on restoration projects.
In 2024, West-Central Illinois Master Naturalists contributed over 1,600 hours of volunteer service—an increase of 447 hours from 2023. Their work included removing invasive species at Camp Eastman and Jensen Woods Camp, inventorying the health of Quincy’s downtown street trees, building a new nature trail at Carthage Lake, and educating youth about the environment at NatureFest near Niota in Hancock County. These dedicated volunteers continue to invest their time and expertise in preserving and enhancing local natural areas resulting in $53,600 of community benefit.
"Master Naturalists are a driving force behind local conservation efforts," said Amy Lefringhouse, Natural Resources Educator with Illinois Extension. "Their passion for protecting and restoring the environment has a direct impact on our communities. It’s incredible to see their commitment grow each year."
The Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Program is providing another science-based training this spring led by natural resource experts, empowering adult volunteers to become environmental stewards in their communities.
Those interested in deepening their knowledge of nature and making a lasting impact are encouraged to join the course beginning on March 12th. To learn more, contact program coordinators Amy Lefringhouse or Kinsey Tiemann at (217) 223-8380, or visit go.illinois.edu/WCILMasterNaturalist.
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 700 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 six program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, family and consumer science, integrated health disparities, and natural resources, environment, and energy.