The word “community” is often used to describe both people and nature, and for good reason. Each are groups of individuals sharing a space as they live and grow. It’s in this same spirit of collective progress that the University of Illinois Extension natural resources, environment, and energy network of statewide educators, specialists, and foresters shares research-based resources with volunteers to help communities work together to thrive.
The Illinois Master Naturalist program is one of Illinois Extension’s core statewide stewardship programs and is led by Extension Specialist Abigail Garofalo, who provides leadership, develops trainings, and advises on natural resources. To Garofalo, community-led initiatives are the heart of Illinois Extension’s mission.
What do you specialize in, and what motivated you to start working in that area?
My background is in environmental education and interpretation, general ecology, native plants, wildlife, native soils, and youth education. I started by studying soils and college land judging, and realized what I liked was the puzzle of the process of soil formation. By answering questions like "Why is this particular type of soil here?” and “Why is it good for agriculture or basements?”, I noticed that soil was the "rooting point" for other aspects of the natural world, where so many more interesting questions can be asked.
The intersection of how our natural world interacts with humans is fascinating, and something I see every day from my yard in Cook County to the natural areas of Illinois.
What brought you to University of Illinois Extension?
Somewhere along the way, I realized I didn't just like answering those questions; I also enjoyed guiding people on their journey of asking and answering them. Working at Extension, I truly love combining my passion for our natural resources and empowering people to address the challenges in the world and their everyday lives. I also love the community-led aspect of Extension work. No one is more of an expert on what their community needs than the community itself, and that is the lens Extension operates through as it helps improve lives.
What does a day of work at Extension look like?
Every day is different! Some days I'm recording podcasts, or supporting local Master Naturalist staff across the state, and other days I'm reading the latest research on a topic or answering questions from the public about Illinois natural resources.
What is a question you get asked a lot?
“Do people actually just want to attend your classes in their free time?”
The answer is yes! We are all lifelong learners, myself included, and people thirst for ways to address problems or just learn more about the world.
What are you looking forward to working on this year?
I’m really looking forward to the Illinois Master Naturalist conference in the fall. This is an annual meetup where we learn from each other, and everyone brings solutions back to their communities. It’s so energizing to engage with the volunteers and to see them connect with each other. We have about 900 Master Naturalists across Illinois, and they are doing the coolest work in their communities. I want to learn from and brag about them as much as possible.
About the Illinois Extension Master Naturalist program
Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalists learn about botany, environmental ethics, archaeology, climate, forestry, geology, prairies, mammals, birds, insects, sustainable agricultural systems, and more from University of Illinois experts. They then share their time and expertise through local environmental stewardship projects such as invasive species removal, restoration projects, wildlife monitoring, and more. The Master Naturalist program is offered through Illinois Extension offices around the state. Learn more about how to become an Illinois Master Naturalist and bring positive change to your community’s natural areas at go.illinois.edu/MN.
To connect with Extension natural resources, environment, and energy staff about a program or for a consultation, visit go.illinois.edu/NREEstaff. Explore more about Extension’s work on natural resources, environment, and energy across Illinois.
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.