2024 Illinois Master Naturalist Conference

Western Illinois takes pride in hosting the 2024 Illinois Master Naturalist Conference. Over two days, our local Illinois Extension staff and Master Naturalists have planned a rich learning experience for our Illinois Master Naturalist volunteers. On September 26, the first day features field trips to notable conservation sites across Western Illinois as you journey to Macomb. That evening, we invite you to an informal gathering at Lakeview Nature Center, just north of Macomb. Join fellow Master Naturalists for a bonfire, food, insect night lighting, and a bat walk. The conference's second day will be held at the Spoon River Outreach Center in Macomb, where leading scientists will share insights in conservation and ecology. Keynote speaker and world-renowned oak tree expert, Guy Sternberg, will kick the day off with the joint session. Several breakout sessions will follow including lunch and tabling of local conservation groups and authors. We’re thrilled to showcase the natural wonders of western Illinois to our Illinois Master Naturalists. Find more details and a schedule of events at: https://extension.illinois.edu/mn/annual-state-conference

Contact Information

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What county do you serve as a Master Naturalist?

Thursday, September 26 - Tours

Thursday Tour Options

I will not attend a tour

[35 of 150 filled]

Illinois River Driving Tour - Emiquon Nature Preserve, Dickson Mounds Museum, and Mason State Tree Nursery

[25 of 25 filled]

Mississippi River Boat, Drive, and Hike Tour - WIU Kibbe Research Station and Stony Hills Nature Preserve

[25 of 25 filled]

Sustainable and Regenerative Agriculture Farm Tour - Fowler Family Farm and Allison Organic Research Farm ($10.00)

[14 of 25 filled]

Invasive Species and Habitat Restoration - Wigwam Hollow Bird Sanctuary and Owsley Prairie ($10.00)

[12 of 25 filled]

Conservation Interpretation: Magic through Making Art - Lakeview Nature Area & Center ($5.00)

[23 of 25 filled]

Forest Management: Tree ID, Best Management Practices, and Invasive Species - McCully Heritage Project and Lovett Forest ($10.00)

[15 of 25 filled]

A Night in Nature: Bats, Insects, and Bonfires Join us from 5:30 to 8:30 pm for an enchanting evening in nature at the Lakeview Nature Center

Attending

[89 of 150 filled]

Maybe attending

[24 of 150 filled]

Not attending

[36 of 150 filled]

Friday, September 27 - Classroom Sessions at Spoon River Outreach Center, Macomb, IL

Attending ($45.00)

Not attending

Select the breakout sessions of your choice.

Breakout Session 1 : 10:30 to 11:30 AM

Believe in Miracles - Osage Orange, Maclura pomifera with Guy Sternberg

[65 of 65 filled]

The Other Pollinators - Flies, Beetles, and Bugs with Angella Moorehouse

[40 of 40 filled]

Communicating Climate Change with Duane Friend

[35 of 35 filled]

Not attending

[9 of 150 filled]

Breakout Session 2 : 12:30 to 1:30 PM

Ecology and Identification of Common Woodland Ferns in Illinois with Chris Evans

[35 of 35 filled]

Research and Monitoring on the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers with Jim Lamer

[40 of 40 filled]

Return of the Bald Eagles: History, Biology, and Winter Prevalence in the Tristate Area with Dr. Joe Coelho

[65 of 65 filled]

Not attending

[9 of 150 filled]

Breakout Session 3: 1:45 to 2:45 PM

The Prairie-Woodland Transition in Illinois: A Historical, Ecological, and Management Perspective with Sean Jenkins

[65 of 65 filled]

Illinois Cultural History, Archeology, and Artifact ID with Dave Nolan

[35 of 35 filled]

Finding Bats in Your Town with Joy O'Keefe

[34 of 40 filled]

Not attending

[15 of 150 filled]

Master Naturalist Coordinators Retreat with Peggy Anesi This option is for U of I Extension staff only.

Attending, I am Extension staff

Not attending

Do you have any dietary restrictions? Lunch will be provided for all attendees on Friday, September 27

Vegetarian

Gluten-free

No restrictions

Civil Rights Compliance - Participant Info

As part of our commitment to providing equal opportunities in our programming, University of Illinois Extension is required to collect and report overall statistics about the race, ethnicity, and gender of program participants. Your responses are voluntary and appreciated.

Gender

Ethnicity

Race

Total Registration Cost