December 6, 2023 – Registration is open for DeWitt, Macon, and Piatt Extension’s 2024 Master Naturalist training program. University of Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalist program trains volunteers to be stewards of the natural environment. Master Naturalists are encouraged to seek opportunities within their communities to share the information.
Master Naturalist Training will be offered on Tuesdays, from 6 to 9 p.m., from Jan. 9 through March 26 at the Macon County Extension office, 3351 N. President Howard Brown Blvd., in Decatur. Training is open to adults 18 and up. There is a $150 training fee, but waivers are available.
The twelve-week in-person training program includes botany, climate, forestry, geology, mammals, birds, insects, prairies, archaeology, and urban and agricultural systems. After graduating, trainees complete sixty hours as an intern before becoming a Certified Master Naturalist. Meetings may occasionally be at Rock Springs, and there are a few Saturday field trips.
“Becoming a Master Naturalist is a great way to do something to benefit your community while meeting other like-minded people,” says Stephanie Hale, Master Naturalist program coordinator. “Our Master Naturalists partner with Allerton Park, Macon County Conservation District, Mettler Woods, Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, and Scovill Zoo, just to name a few.”
Register for the training by Jan. 5 at go.illinois.edu/NaturalistTraining.
