University of Illinois Extension

Events (12)

Master Naturalist Education: Critter Cove

Thu, 01/26/2023 - 12:00

Online

Winter Trails and Naturalist Tales - 2023

Sat, 01/28/2023 - 12:00

Torstenson's Education Center 13735 Cook Road, Pecatonica, IL

Piney Creek Ravine Ecology Hike

Sun, 02/05/2023 - 12:00

Forest and bluff scene with icicles.

Meet the Educators - Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle, Horticulture

Tue, 02/07/2023 - 12:00

Online

Nursery School: Lessons in Gardening Symposium 2023

Sat, 02/11/2023 - 12:00

The Vibrant Arena at The MARK

Meet the Educators - Rebecca Crumrine, SNAP-Education

Tue, 02/14/2023 - 12:00

Online

Meet the Educators - Judy Schmidt & Emily Schoenfelder, 4-H

Tue, 02/21/2023 - 12:00

Online

Meet the Educators - Richard Proffer, Community & Economic Development

Tue, 02/28/2023 - 12:00

Online

Meet the Educators - Kevin Brooks, Farm Business Management & Marketing

Tue, 03/07/2023 - 12:00

Online

Master Volunteer Meeting: Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit

Tue, 03/07/2023 - 12:00

Illinois Central College, AIT Building

Illinois Master Naturalist Training

Tue, 03/14/2023 - 12:00 - Tue, 05/16/2023 - 12:00

Various natural locations in western Illinois

Photo of purple prairie wildflowers

April in Paris Gardening Seminar 2023

Thu, 04/13/2023 - 12:00

Betty Jane's Kitchen

purple flowers

Blog Posts (91)

Slow down this Winter Solstice, learn to love winter like the farmer

Sunset behind evergreen trees on a snowy banked river

Extension Master Naturalists explore Prairie Hills Wetland Reserve and build new partnership with Prairie Land Conservancy

Man in hat scattering seeds in prairie

Tips for staying safe when hiking during hunting season

White man with dark beard in blue shirt and hat hiking with backpack

Let's talk turkey: Fact or fiction

Trio of wild turkeys in a snow dusted field

Discover how people are working together to make science better

A nest of blue bird eggs

Share space and give your wildlife neighbors a chance

black and white skunk in straw bed

The Naturalist News blog is back!

Five Tips for Healthy Ponds

pond in wooded area

Extension Master Naturalist Spotlight: Peggy West

Peggy West standing next to her display at Peoria Art Guild

Thank a volunteer this week

Yellow flowers in front of a person gardening

Of blue jays and pin oaks: How jays have shaped our oak forests around the world

blue jay bird holding an acorn in its beak

New hybrid model expands Master Gardener and Naturalist training options

Extension Master Gardener working in a community garden

Master Naturalists involved with Citizen Science programs

Master Naturalist Mary Zehner holding binaculars close to face

Unique soil conditions create biodiversity in Flatwood Forests

trees woodland area

The funky, fidgety wildbird of Illinois Winters: dark-eyed junco

dark eyed junco bird perches on snowy branch

Crows come home to roost

crows roosting in tree tops at dusk with moon rising in background

Pokeweed teaches us to ask questions about the natural world

green leaves, black berries, red/purple stems

Wild songbird illness still undiagnosed

grackle bird perching on bird feed cage

Nature's Technicolor Dreamcoat: The science of fall color

brilliant red fall color of Eastern Wahoo shrub

JDC prairie project provides many benefits to county and residents

Extension Master Naturalist in a field of native plantings

Trees can help reverse effects of climate change

green wavy leaves with acorns

The hunt for orange September, searching for monarch roosts

Many Monarchs roosting in an oak tree

Fall is spider season as orb-weavers spin bigger webs

Yellow garden spider, Argiope aurantia by James Braselton, Bugwood.org

Using natives in a home landscape

Purple coneflowers and other native plants in front of house

Engagement in nature helps youth academically

little boy sitting outside looking through binaculars

Want to help wildlife in Illinois? Protect their habitat

yellow bird in wild flowers

Scat Chat: What animal droppings can tell us

animal scat on a gravel surface

Prescribed fire as a management tool

Prescribed fire sign with smoke in the air

A personal run-in with the invasive gypsy moth

adult gypsy moth on hand

Ode to the Opossum

Opossum walking on plants and rocks

Stop taking crummy snapshots: 5 tips for amazing nature photos

Photos of mushrooms, Celendine poppy and Luna moth by Chris Evans

Master Naturalist Pam Tomka inspires others to enjoy nature through her grant writing skills

wall of engraved bricks

Spirals in Nature

The spiral in a pincone.

Preserve soil health with microorganisms

Adding more blooms to your garden invites more birds

humming bird feeding from zinnias

The robins have returned, but did they ever leave?

American Robin male bird

Native plant education aids natural habitat preservation

Picture of native plant Black-eyed Susan with butterfly

Periodical cicadas emerge in 2021 but the best is yet to come

Green insect emerging from it's brown shell

Species Profile - Japanese Stiltgrass

Japanese stiltgrass growing in a forest

Best Practices for Sharing Plants to Stop the Spread of Invasive Species

jumping worm

Stop the spread of jumping worms and other invasive species

jumping worm

Invasive Jumping Worms Confirmed in Peoria County

jumping worm

How not to retire when you retire - join the Master Naturalists

Edible wild mushrooms are more than just your next meal

Three morel mushrooms

Why did the snake cross the road? Illinois reptiles migrate safely with spring road closure

Cottonmouth snake coiled

Pollinator Partnership honors Extension Master Naturalists

Master Naturalist volunteer holding a bag of cleaned seeds for Project Wingspan

Garden fun for families on Spring Break

terrarium with roman soldier - photo by Brittnay Haag

Three astounding benefits of creating art from data

photo of rainbow colored paper arranged in a design

Why garlic mustard succeeds when other plants fail

Forest path with second year garlic mustard growing in it.

Species Profile - Harbinger-of-Spring

Harbinger-of-spring plant in bloom

Eliminating the Competition...Allelopathy in Plants

clockwise from upper left: tree of heaven, amur honeysuckle, garlic mustard and oriental bittersweet

Leucism in Nature

Piebald Robin

Reason for the Rime

Rime ice accumulating over a hoar frost.

Winter: A time for storytelling

open book with light and stars coming out of the pages

Positive Change Can Make a Difference in Your Community

sunlight through ice covered trees

Missing the Middle: The Importance and Fragility of the Shrublands Habitat

Nature’s Current Event: Frost Flowers

Ice formations at the base of plants

Master Naturalist Profile: “The Butterfly Lady”

Master Naturalist, Rhonda Brady on school bus full of kids

Light is magical

light streaming through trees

Species Profile – Crawfish Frog

Crawfish frog adult

Nature's Current Events: Sandhill Crane Migration

Sandhill Crane in a wetland

Event: Annual Day of Learning

Tree Identification

What we have in common

Species Profile: White Oak

Upper branches of white oak tree

Ecological Profile: Hill Prairies of Illinois

Hill Prairie overlooking river

Project Profile: Kids and Nature

Kids walking on log over shallow creek in local park

Local OPAL- Guiding People to Nature

Contemplation of trees

looking up from the ground into the sky between tall trees with green leaves

Master Naturalists at Meadowbrook

Master Naturalist Profile: Nachusa Prairie Steward

East Central Illinois Master Naturalists

Welcome to Naturalist News

Science is learning

items from a science classroom. pencils, a beaker, and science textbook

Sensational Senses

Virtual book study group keeps master volunteers connected and learning

Natures Best Hope book cover

Chautauqua Refuge gains attention through Master Naturalist’s writing skills

Get Out on the Trails

Hedge Apple Woods, Bloomington, by Rick Tindall

Adopt the Pace of Nature

lady journaling outside in a notebook

Local Master Naturalist volunteer builds website to encourage people to enjoy local natural areas

Extension Master Naturalist Julie Robinson documenting outdoor public spaces

Old Trees

Old Trees

Why Should You Draw in Your Journal?

leather journal and a pencil

Walks of Discovery

dirt path through trees

Talking Biodiversity, Habitat, and Sustainability in the American Landscape

Blog title

Master Naturalists invest time and talents volunteering at Wildlife Prairie Park

Volunteer Master Naturalist at Wildlife Prairie Park

Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle joins Extension team as horticulture educator

Nicole Flowers staff photo

Master volunteers’ involvement at Mason Tree Nursery expands to help 8-state Project Wingspan

women touching a plant sitting in classroom

College of ACES dean and extension director connect with staff and stakeholders

Dr. Shelly Nickols-Richardson shaking hands with a 4-H teen

Master Naturalists volunteer at Fulton-Mason Eagle Day

group of Master Naturalists standing in front of display

What I Do and Why It Matters - Christine Belless

Christine Belless in action

Science Adventure Day helps draw kids outdoors in Canton

man helping student use microscopes

Hidden Treasure

News Releases (113)

Connect with natural world, join Western Illinois Master Naturalists

Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Volunteer Service Recognized at Annual Holiday Gathering

Master Naturalists get out in the field to protect Illinois’ natural resources

Illinois Extension Plans its 24th “Nursery School- Lessons in Gardening” Symposium for Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the Vibrant Arena at the Mark

Share your time and talents and become a Glacier's Edge Master Naturalist

Extension Master Naturalists explore Prairie Hills Wetland Reserve and build new partnership with Prairie Land Conservancy

Hall High School Students Continue Environmental Stewardship

Hall High School Conservation Garden is Saving Species!

Family centered nature program continues through August 11

7 ways to reduce your lawn's dependence on chemicals, water, and mowing

4-H Pollinator Celebration set at Hall High School

University of Illinois Extension Welcomes New Master Gardener & Master Naturalist Extra Help Program Coordinator

Extension Master Naturalist uses art skills to enhance environment education

Next Master Naturalist training begins in August for tri-county area

Learn more about the Flora, Fauna, and Fungi of the Mississippi Palisades State Park

Registration opens for summer 2022 Master Naturalist hybrid training

Master Naturalists advocate for diversity in ecosystems and volunteer program

Native Shrubs in Illinois

Inspired by nature, take home kits provide learning experience for youth

Native Trees in Illinois

Visit the Master Gardener Plant Sale for quality you can trust

Why plant natives?

How the month of April can make you a better gardener

Beautify your landscape with plants from the annual Master Gardener Plant Sale

New hybrid model expands Master Gardener and Naturalist training options

New climate change specialist strengthens Illinois’ commitment to environmental stewardship

Learn the art of Nature Journaling at the Carolyn Mason Education Day

Master Naturalists help rid park of invasive species

Pollinator pockets

Build confidence in fruit tree pruning with free educational workshop

Environmental educator to bring west-central Illinois nature to your backyard

How to use the 9 flower shapes to make your landscape something special

The 5 senses plants use to thrive

Green spaces and their benefits on humans

Protecting our environment and providing education is important to volunteer program

Geometric shapes in landscapes add interest

JDC prairie project provides many benefits to county and residents

Embrace the winter! Count feeder birds for science!

Cultivating Connections

Toluca Coal Mine Fall Festival hosts Marshall-Putnam Extension activities

Free learning experience offered in a take home kit

Should you make your garden tidy in the fall or spring?

Spruce and Callery pear can be problematic for your midwestern landscape

Monarch Migration Festival to take place in person

Master Naturalist Native Tree and Shrub Sale 2022

Wondering how to rid your landscape of parasitic plants?

Master Naturalist Pam Tomka inspires others to enjoy nature through her grant writing skills

Extension expands leadership focused on natural resources, energy, environment

Free learning experience offered in a take home kit

Learn about heirloom gardening and native plants at free garden tour

Weeds or wildflowers? It's a matter of perspective

Four Seasons Gardening Program Offers Free Summer Series Webinars

Master Naturalists train 15 new environmental steward volunteers

Invasive jumping worms confirmed in Peoria County

Take home kits offer learning experiences for children

It's wild out there! Learn about nature at Master Naturalist education day

The gardening methods you need to tell goodbye

Extension is here to share in your gardening triumphs and woes

Pollinator Partnership honors Extension Master Naturalists

Become a citizen scientist and record precipitation in your neighborhood

There is Still Time to Register for “A Naturalist’s Virtual Seminar” Offered by the University of Illinois Extension!

Plant tags provide valuable information

“A Naturalist’s Virtual Seminar” Offered by the University of Illinois Extension

Planning flower gardens for those hot, dry spots

Winter take home learning kits now available through Illinois Extension

Learn to identify trees in winter with bark, twigs, buds

Expand your iris IQ

LaSalle Public Library to Host University of Illinois Extension Live Virtual Program “Winter Bird Feeding”

Carroll-Lee-Whiteside Master Naturalist Training 2021

Take home learning kits for children now available

Overwintering annuals is possible with these tips

Explore, learn and grown with Wee Naturalists virtual program

Carroll-Lee-Whiteside counties looking for Master Naturalists

October Master Gardener Column

Attend astronomy webinar to learn more about the night sky

September 2020 Master Gardener Column

Taking a deep dive into aquatic plant identification

Virtual book study group keeps Master Volunteers connected and learning

Learn how to tell which grass is which

Mushrooms of Illinois Webinar

Harvest milkweed pods; plant Monarch butterfly garden

6th Annual Monarch Migration Festival to be held online

Master Naturalist evening classes begin September 22

August Master Gardener Column by Jan Phipps

Master Naturalist Native Tree and Shrub Sale

July Master Gardener Column

Master Naturalist Applications Now Accepted for Tri-County Training in August

Get Out on the Trails This Summer

June Master Gardener Column by Jan Phipps

Local Program Taught How All Can Support Native Mason Bees

Invasive Species Symposium 2020

Take a virtual hike through Shawnee's natural areas

Master Naturalist Applications open through April 30, 2020

April Master Gardener Column

Local Master Naturalist Volunteer Builds Website to Encourage People to Enjoy Local Natural Areas

Program cancellations and postponements

All Levels of Gardening Experience Encouraged to Attend Gardeners’ BIG Day

Local Volunteers Plan Spring Fling Garden Day

February Master Gardener Column

Illinois Master Naturalist Program Accepting Applications for June Training

Winter Tree ID Walk at Spoon River College Arboretum

Mason Bees Workshop

Master Naturalists invest time and talents volunteering at Wildlife Prairie Park

University of Illinois Extension announces Four Seasons of Gardening Winter Webinar Series Dates and Topics

MidWinter Horticulture Workshop is set for January 25

Illinois Master Naturalist Training to be Held at Giant City

Campus Rain Garden Receives Upgrades

Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists Shared Information at Fair

Master Volunteers’ Involvement at Mason Tree Nursery Expands to Help 8-State Project Wingspan

Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists Share Information at Fair

University of Illinois Extension Announces New Horticulture and Naturalist Education Course

Illilnois Extension Presents Fall Harvest of Horticulture in Aledo, Ill on September 21

Master Naturalists Contribute Photos to Rend Lake Visitor Center

Staff (25)

Christine Belless staff photo

Christine Belless

Ag and Natural Resources Program Coordinator

Amanda Christenson

Amanda Christenson

Master Naturalist Program Coordinator

Julia Duncan

Julia Duncan

Agriculture Program Coordinator

Christopher Enroth

Christopher Enroth

Horticulture Educator

Sarah Fellerer

Sarah Fellerer

Master Naturalist Program Coordinator & Kendall County Master Gardener Program Coordinator

Wendy Ferguson

Wendy Ferguson

Horticulture Program Coordinator

Mary Fisher picture

Mary Fischer

Agriculture and Natural Resources (Horticulture) Educator

staff photo of Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle

Nicole Flowers-Kimmerle

Agriculture and Natural Resources (Horticulture) Educator

Duane Friend

Duane Friend

State Master Naturalist and Climate Change Specialist

Holly Froning

Holly Froning

Kankakee County Master Gardener & Master Naturalist Program Coordinator

female, white, brown hair, business attire.

Abigail Garofalo

Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator

Erin with colorful sweater outside with road and trees background

Erin Garrett

Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator

Sarah Gaulke staff photo

Sarah Gaulke

Graduate Student

Doug Gucker staff photo

Douglas B. Gucker

Local Food Systems and Small Farms Educator

Shibu Kar

Shibu Kar

Assistant Dean, Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Program Leader

Nancy Kuhajda

Nancy Kuhajda

Will County Master Gardener, Master Naturalist & Master Composter Program Coordinator

Jenny Lee staff photo

Jenny Lee

Program Coordinator, Master Gardener/Master Naturalist

Amy Lefringhouse

Amy Lefringhouse

Natural Resources, Environment and Energy Educator

Judy Lemenager

Judy Lemenager

Kankakee County Office Support Assistant

Christina Lueking

Christina Lueking

Horticulture Extension Educator

Mary Nelson

Mary Nelson

Whiteside County Ag and Natural Resources Program Coordinator

Joy O'Keefe

Joy O'Keefe

Assistant Professor, Wildlife Extension Specialist

Kim Rohling

Kimberly Rohling

Horticulture Educator

Sarah Ruth

Sarah Ruth

Horticulture and Natural Resources Program Coordinator

Ross Wantland

Ross Wantland

Director of Curriculum Development and Education, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion