Illinois Extension opens registration for spring Illinois Master Naturalist course

QUINCY — Within parks, streams and native prairies, University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists serve as environmental stewards in their communities.  Illinois Extension is now opening registration for the next training slated for this spring. The course begins March 12.

“Our west central Illinois Master Naturalist volunteers put in thousands of hours in 2024 supporting natural resource projects they are most passionate about,” Natural Resource Extension Educator Amy Lefringhouse said in a press release. “Together we’re able to help manage the spread of invasive plants in local youth camps and parks, create and maintain nature trails, and educate community members on everything from Illinois birds to Illinois trees.”

Volunteer training will be held during select Wednesday evenings and select Saturdays from March 12 through May 21. The program includes 14 hours of classroom instruction, 12 hours of self-study and 22 hours of field work to introduce basic principles of the natural world and practical techniques for teaching about and managing natural areas. The training covers environmental topics including ecology, botany, weather, prairies, rivers and streams, forestry, birds, fish, mammals, anthropology and more.

“Connecting to others who share a love for nature and learning from natural resource professionals are highlights for the course,” said Kinsey Tiemann, the program’s local coordinator. “Participants gain behind the scenes access to local nature areas.”

Applications are due Feb. 28. The course schedule and applications are available online at go.illinois.edu/WCILMasterNaturalist. Acceptance into the program requires a background check. The program fee is $175 which covers training, Master Naturalist manual and field trips. Online training modules can be substituted for missed sessions.

For more information, contact Lefringhouse or Tiemann at 217-223-8380.

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact Lefringhouse at 217-223-8380. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting your needs.