January 1, 2025 – Are you passionate about the environment and eager to make a difference in the community? Take the first steps in achieving that goal by registering for University of Illinois Extension’s yearly Master Naturalist training program.
Master Naturalist Training will be offered on Tuesdays, from 6 to 9 p.m., from Jan.7 through March 25 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 topics such as botany, climate, forestry, geology, mammals, birds, insects, prairies, archaeology, and urban and agricultural systems. After graduating, trainees complete sixty hours as interns before becoming Certified Master Naturalists. Meetings may occasionally be at Rock Springs, and there are a few Saturday field trips.
“If you have a passion for nature and want to connect with link-minded individuals, our 12-week Master Naturalist training program might be a great fit,” says Agriculture Program Coordinator Stephanie Hale. “The program will prepare you to make a huge difference in your community while also meeting great people who enjoy the outdoors.”
Register for the training by Jan. 2 at go.illinois.edu/NaturalistTraining. For questions, please contact smhale@illinois.edu or call 217-877-6042.
