Contact Us

Sarah Batka
Program Coordinator, Horticulture
University of Illinois Extension
10244 South Vincennes Avenue
Chicago, IL 60643
Phone: 773-233-2900
FAX: 773-233-9183
sbatka@illinois.edu

Master Naturalists in Cook County

Master Naturalists in Cook County

Why an Illinois Master Naturalist program?

The Illinois Master Naturalist (ILMN) program provides science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards. Our natural resources are under increased pressure from many sources, including urbanization, invasive species and climate change.

Who can become a Master Naturalist?

The program is designed for any adult, 18 or over, who is committed to life long learning and stewardship of local resources. You need time for volunteering and on-going training as well as good communications skills.

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!

What training is involved?

Classes are led by regional scientists and educators. Sessions will be offered one day a week over a twelve week period, for a total of about forty hours of instruction, plus some field trips. Attendance is vital for all trainings and field trips. Forty hours of volunteer service are required for completion of Master Naturalist Certification.

Training is offered in fall 2012 for Chicago, and in the suburbs in the spring of 2013. If you have already applied, we will be contacting you once classes are scheduled.

Training will be on Tuesdays, August to November (Chicago) in 2012.

Training will be on Tuesdays, February to June (Cook Suburbs) in 2013.

Classes typically meet 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Training sites will vary depending on topic.

Introduction & Critical Thinking

Archeology

Understanding the Natural World; Journaling

Geology; Urban Soils

Ecology of the Urban Environment; Natural History of Region

Forest Ecology

Ecology of Wetlands & Lakes

Grassland/ Prairie Ecology

Botany (Plants)

Entomology (Insects)

Ornithology (Birds)

Herpetology (Reptiles and Amphibians)

Mammals

Volunteer Opportunities

Multi-site field trip

Principles of Interpretation : Themes answer the question, "So What?"

MAKE UP DATE

Volunteer Service

You will be engaged in a variety of activities to benefit your knowledge and skills, the environment and others. Some examples are:

  • Guiding small groups of students or adults in interpretive or restoration activities.
  • Assisting with restoration of natural areas, controlling invasive species, seed collecting, or taking inventories of natural areas.
  • Sharing your knowledge and skills with people and organizations in need of natural resource best practices information or assistance.

Cost & Benefits

The $250 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.

Apply On-line

To apply for the Chicago training, please complete our online application. Suburban training applications will be accepted after August 1. Each applicant will contacted to participate in an informal interview before being accepted into the class. The class is limited to 25.

For more information e-mail Sarah Batka sbatka@illinois.edu (Chicago training) or Nancy Pollard pollard@illinois.edu (Cook County Suburban training).

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.