University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit
Illinois Master Naturalist Program Accepting Applications for June Training

 

[February 14, 2020] 

University of Illinois Extension, Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell Unit will be offering Illinois Master Naturalist training this summer for two weeks, in June. Training classes will meet ten days, Monday-Friday, June 8-19; from 9 am to 4 pm. Space is limited. To being the application process go to https://go.illinois.edu/MNtraining or call 309-547-3711.

Educators participating in the training will be eligible for 60 Professional Development hours through the ROE #53.

The mission of the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Program is to provide science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards.

The program educates and trains adult volunteers so they are better equipped to share natural resource information with others in their communities and to assist with environmental conservation and restoration activities. We all have a responsibility to protect the natural resources in the places where we live to ensure our world is "fit for the future." The University of Illinois Extension collaborates with local agencies to accomplish the Illinois Master Naturalist mission.

Illinois Master Naturalist trainees participate in 60 hours of initial training. The classes will be held at various locations throughout the four-county area. A combination of classroom instruction and field study will be used to present topics such as Archaeology, Ornithology, Entomology, Herpetology, Mammals, Botany, Ecology, Urban environment, Geology, Soil, Forest, Prairies, and Wetlands.

Volunteer Option

For those wanting to become a Master Naturalist volunteer, the University of Illinois requires each applicant to complete an application, background screening paperwork and schedule an interview with Extension Program Coordinator, Christine Belless. The fee to participate is $250 and covers classroom sessions, field training, handouts, and the Master Naturalist manual.

Upon completion of the Master Naturalist training, graduates who have selected the volunteer option, will become Master Naturalist Interns and have 2 years to complete 60 volunteer service hours to become Active Master Naturalist. To continue as an Active Master Naturalist volunteers must fulfill 30 volunteer hour and 10 continuing education hours annually.

Education Only Option

For individuals who only want to attend Master Naturalist training for their personal or professional enrichment, but do not want to volunteer, the fee is $250, covering classroom sessions, field training, handouts, and the Master Naturalist manual. The education only participants will also need to complete an application and schedule an interview with Extension Program Coordinator, Christine Belless.

Educators participating in the training will be eligible for 60 Professional Development hours through the ROE #53. Upon the completion of the course, and an additional $10 fee will be due to ROE #53.

Applications, screening paperwork, interviews, and course fee, must be received by May 20.

For more information about University of Illinois Extension Illinois Master Naturalist program, contact Christine Belless, Extension Program Coordinator, [e-mail] Fulton County Extension, 15411 N IL 100 Hwy, Lewistown, IL 61542 or call 309.547.3711.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any event listed in this news release, contact your local Extension office.

[Christine Belless, University of Illinois Extension]