2023 Master Naturalists Training Application
Thank you for your interest in University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist Program. This program will provide science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards.
There is a high volume of interest in Master Naturalist Program and the next steps are:
- Complete this Master Naturalist Application.
- Attend a 45-minute information session scheduled on either Tuesday April 18th, 6pm or Saturday April 29th, 9am. You must attend an information session for your application to be considered.
- Once application materials have been reviewed by Extension Staff, you may be invited for a short 30-minute web interview and asked to submit paperwork for background checks.
- Accepted applicants will attend a 12-session training from August-October
- Complete 60 hours of volunteer service for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County within two years.
You will be contacted through email with links to the virtual information session by 4/16/2023.
Please note: the training days are Fridays from August 4th through October 20th.
*The specific dates with tentative agenda are as follows:
Date Time Topic
8/4 9-2pm Intro, Natural World, Interpretation
8/11 2-4pm Ambassador training & Group Project
8/18 9-2pm Botany/Forests
8/25 2-4pm Ethics
9/1 9-2pm Geology
9/8 no class Labor Day Weekend
9/15 9-2pm Birds
9/22 2-4pm Climate Change
9/29 9-2pm Urban Areas/Rivers & Streams
10/6 2-4pm Volunteer/Interpretation Revisited
10/13 9-3pm Practicum
10/20 2-4pm Projects