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University of Illinois Extension serving Cook County
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Contact Us
Nancy Pollard
Extension Educator, Horticulture
University of Illinois Extension
One Prairie Office Center, Suite 208
4749 Lincoln Mall Drive
Matteson, IL 60443
Phone: 708-679-6889
FAX: 708-679-6855
pollard@illinois.edu
Master Naturalists in Cook County
Become a Master Naturalist in Suburban Cook County
SUMMER MASTER NATURALIST CLASS ADDED! JULY 2013. CPDU'S FOR TEACHERS
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 about animals specific to Illinois such as mammals, insects, reptiles and fish and birds
- Learn how everyone is part of and impacts nature in urban areas
- Learn practical techniques for both teaching about and managing natural areas
Partners make it possible
Here's a list of our current partners and links to their websites:
- University of Illinois Extension in Cook County. ILMN is a U of I Extension program with collaborative leadership at the state level.
- Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Live Healthy - Discover Nature!
- Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens. Come visit and we'll show you why they call it the great outdoors!
- The Field Museum is an educational institution concerned with the diversity and relationships in nature and among cultures.
What training is involved?
Classes are led by regional scientists and educators. Attendance is vital.
|
DATE 2013 |
TIME |
TOPIC & Instructor |
LOCATION |
|
Monday July 8 |
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
Introduction to the Program Understanding the Natural World |
Little Red School House (FPDCC) 9900 Willow Springs Road Willow Springs, IL 60480 |
|
(TUESDAY) |
NO CLASS |
||
|
Wednesday July 10 |
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
Climate Journaling |
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center (FPDCC) 12545 West 111th Street Lemont, IL 60439 |
|
Thursday July 11 |
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
Insects Soils |
Lake Katherine Nature Center 7402 W. Lake Katherine Drive Palos Heights, IL 60463 |
|
Monday July 15 |
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
Ornithology Illinois Forests |
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center (FPDCC) 12545 West 111th Street Lemont, IL 60439 |
|
Tuesday July 16 |
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
Prairies Herpetology |
Little Red School House (FPDCC) 9900 Willow Springs Road Willow Springs, IL 60480 |
|
Wednesday July 17 |
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
Aquatic Life & Systems Inquiry Adventure |
Sand Ridge Nature Center (FPDCC) 15890 Paxton Avenue South Holland, IL 60473 |
|
Thursday July 18 |
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
Botany Inquiry Adventure |
Sand Ridge Nature Center (FPDCC) 15890 Paxton Avenue South Holland, IL 60473 |
|
Monday July 22 |
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
Illinois Geology |
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center (FPDCC) 12545 West 111th Street Lemont, IL 60439 |
|
Tuesday July 23 |
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
Interpretation Bringing Nature Home |
U of I Extension 2205 Enterprise Drive, Suite 501 Westchester, IL 60154 |
|
(WEDNESDAY) |
NO CLASS |
||
|
Thursday July 25 |
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. |
Mammals Archeology |
Sagawau Environmental Learning Center (FPDCC) 12545 West 111th Street Lemont, IL 60439 |
Volunteer Service
Sixty (60) hours of volunteer service are required for completion of Master Naturalist Certification. You will be engaged in a variety of activities to benefit your knowledge and skills, the environment and others. Some examples are:
- Volunteering with a team at a Forest Preserve District of Cook County (FPDCC) or local Nature Center
- Guiding small groups of students or adults in understanding natural areas locations
- Restoring natural areas or volunteering in educational gardens featuring native plants
- Answering questions about ecological or garden topics
Cost & Benefits
The $125 fee is subsidized this session by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County for this July 2013 class. (Normally the fee is $250.) This fee defrays a fraction of the cost of the class. As a Master Naturalist, you will learn to appreciate and understand the natural world, how to protect and restore your local environments, and how to share your passion, knowledge and appreciation for nature.
To apply for the SUMMER July 2013 South Suburban Master Naturalist training, please complete our online application. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2013 or until the class fills. Each applicant will be contacted by our Office Support Staff, Danna Neville, to schedule an informal interview with the Educator or Program coordinator, before being accepted into the class. The class is limited to 25.
For more information e-mail Nancy Pollard pollard@illinois.edu
Registration
Register on-line after you received acceptance notification.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this Extension program, please contact our office.
University of Illinois * U.S. Department of Agriculture * Local Extension Councils Cooperating. University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
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