Contact Us

Brenda Hileman
Office Support Assistant - Union County
University of Illinois Extension
515 E Vienna St., Suite G
PO Box 604
Anna, IL 62906
Phone: 618-833-6363
FAX: 618-833-6304
hileman@illinois.edu

Carey Simmons
Office Support Assistant, serving Alexander/Pulaski Counties
University of Illinois Extension
502 Oakley Lane
Mounds, IL 62964
Phone: 618-745-6310
FAX: 618-745-6806
clsimmon@illinois.edu

Southern Illinois Master Naturalist

Southern Illinois Master Naturalist

Who we are:
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 in order to ensure our world is "fit for the future." The University of Illinois Extension partners with local agencies to accomplish the Master Naturalist mission.

What qualifications do I need to become a Master Naturalist?
Anyone 18 or older can become a Master Naturalist. It does not require a degree or years of experience. You must be willing to devote time to volunteering and to continuing education.

Adult trainees in the Master Naturalist program will:

  • Learn basic principles about the natural world
  • Learn about the interdependent nature of the plants and animals in the various ecosystems of Illinois
  • Learn animals specific to Illinois such as mammals, insects, reptiles and fish and birds
  • Learn how everyone is part of and impacts nature in rural or urban areas
  • Learn practical techniques for both teaching about and managing natural areas

The training will prepare volunteer Master Naturalists to more effectively participate in local environmental stewardship. They will learn about and may participate in citizen scientist activities. They will be able to share their knowledge, skills, and passion about the natural world with others so they also can become more engaged. Volunteer work includes, but is not limited to:

  • Assisting in the management of local natural areas
  • Completing natural resource related office work with special interest groups or not-for-profit agencies
  • Teaching adults or children about natural areas
  • Giving demonstrations and presentations to local groups
  • Serving as a liaison between natural resource agencies and the public
  • Serving as a resource person to groups in need of natural resource assistance

Program cost: $250.00

College credit available
Participants in the Master Naturalist Program also have the option of obtaining 2 hours college credit through:
Shawnee Community College
8364 Shawnee College Rd Ullin, IL 62992
618-634-3200

Just register for Field Biol (Bio 214) and pay the additional credit hour fee to the college.

For more information about the Master Naturalist Program
Application Packet

Brochure

Schedule

Policies

FAQ's

Contact:
Sonja Lallemand at
618-687-1727
Lalleman@illinois.edu

or Paige Hawthorne at
618-253-1046
pehawthorne1@gmail.com

University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

If you need a reasonable accomodation to participate in this program, please contact 618-658-5321.

Click here for on-line registration.

Make checks payable to University of Illinois Extension, and mail with forms to:
Univesity of Illinois Extension
502 Oakley Lane
Mounds, IL. 62964