Do you enjoy spending time outdoors? Do you have a passion for giving back to your community? The Illinois Master Naturalist volunteer training program is looking for individuals to become engaged environmental stewards in southern Illinois.
Extension believes in fostering connections between local communities and the outdoors. They strive to grow a new generation of learners connected to the natural world while providing an avenue for personal growth and fulfillment.
Illinois Extension will host a hybrid training in 2025 for the next cohort of Master Naturalists. The training consists of science-based educational opportunities offered through self-paced assignments, in-person activities, and discussions.
Regional experts will teach class sessions on ecology, invasive species, rivers and streams, forestry, geology, herpetology, entomology, and much more. Participants will learn through a variety of materials, including an online course, a manual, in-person activities and discussions, and guided hikes.
Natural Resources Educator Erin Garrett notes that this program allows local participants to facilitate conservation and restoration through volunteer work within their communities.
“Southern Illinois has a rich and diverse landscape that allows for many volunteer opportunities,” said Garrett. “Volunteers can work with state parks and refuges to assist with natural areas restoration and education or collect data as a community scientist.”
The fee for the spring course is $250, which includes ten weeks of online materials and live sessions. Training sessions are Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from April 3 to June 12. The group will meet at Giant City Visitor Center at 1-245 Giant City Road, Makanda, IL 62958.
To join the training, download an interest form at go.illinois.edu/2025MNinterestform. The deadline to receive interest forms is March 14. Becoming a Master Naturalist volunteer requires a background screening process. To learn more about becoming a Master Naturalist, contact Program Coordinator Jennifer Warren at 618-695-2441 or jrwarren@illinois.edu.
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, contact Jennifer Warren at 618-695-2441 or jrwarren@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting participant needs.
SOURCE: Erin Garrett, Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator, emedvecz@illinois.edu, 618-524-2270
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