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Contact Us

Rhonda J. Ferree
Extension Educator, Horticulture
University of Illinois Extension
127 S High St, Ste 1
Havana, IL 62644
Phone: 309-543-3308
FAX: 309-543-6239
ferreer@illinois.edu

Christine Belless
Program Coordinator, Master Naturalists
University of Illinois Extension
127 S High St, Ste 1
Havana, IL 62644
Phone: 309-543-3308
FAX: 309-543-6239
cbelless@illinois.edu

Master Naturalists

Master Naturalists

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.

FMPT Program Information
The Fulton-Mason-Peoria-Tazewell University of Illinois Extension Unit launched its first round of trainings in fall 2012 for individuals interested in becoming Master Naturalists. "The program is designed to train volunteers in natural resources, so they can become natural area stewards, educators, and advocates," explains Christine Belless, program coordinator with Extension. The program provides science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and helps them become engaged environmental stewards. The following subjects will be taught during the program: Ecological Concepts, Geology, Anthropology, Botany, Forest Ecology, Grassland Ecology, Ornithology, Mammology, Herpetology, Entomology, and Aquatic systems.

The Master Naturalist program is a combination of education and volunteer services. With the help of local experts, U of I Extension provides the educational support for the program, while the internship service time will be done with their primary partners: The Nature Conservancy, Dickson Mounds Museum, University of Illinois-Springfield at Emiquon, Forest Park Nature Center, Jubilee State Park, and Wildlife Prairie Park.

The fall 2012 class was only open to MASTER GARDENERS, EMIQUON CORPS OF DISCOVERY MEMBERS, AND PRIMARY PARTNER VOLUNTEERS. The class in fall 2013 will be open to the general public.

For additional information on this program, please contact Christine Belless, Program Coordinator (contact information at right).

For more information about program specifics go to the Illinois Master Naturalist website.