2024 Returning Master Naturalist - Annual Agreement
Read the Annual Agreement carefully, choose your status, and complete your contact information on the form below. Do NOT print & return the annual agreement. Scroll down and complete the Registration at the bottom of this page.
The purpose of 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. We encourage individuals to experience nature, develop knowledge of and respect for the environment, and practice natural resource stewardship.
In the capacity as a University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist trainee/intern/certified volunteer, I understand and agree to:
- Successfully complete all Master Naturalist core course training units.
- As an intern accomplish 60 hours of approved volunteer service within 2 years of completing training.
- Comply with training, documentation, and certification requirements of the Illinois Master Naturalist program.
- As a certified Master Naturalist accomplish 30 hours volunteer hours and 10 hours of approved continued education annually.
- Work with sponsors and partners to implement a Master Naturalist program of excellence in the community.
- Disseminate non-biased research based natural resource information to all who request it, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.
- Consistently exhibit a professional manner to staff, other volunteers and the public.
- Use the title of Illinois Master Naturalist volunteer only when doing unpaid public service work through sponsored or approved programs. The title is not to be used to advertise names or places of business, nor to associate the Master Naturalist name with commercial products or give implied endorsements of any product or place of business.
- Respect and abide by any policies or regulations of Master Naturalist sponsors and partners when engaged in programs at their facilities and natural areas.
- Follow state and federal laws and regulations as well as the fiscal policies and guidelines of the University of Illinois, local Extension Unit and Master Naturalist sponsors and partners.
- Abide by the Illinois Department of Agriculture licensing requirements for the application of pesticides when acting as a Master Naturalist volunteer.
- Recognize that verbal or physical abuse, failure to comply with equal opportunity and antidiscrimination laws, or committing criminal acts may be grounds for termination as a Master Naturalist volunteer.
- Refrain from using or possessing weapons, alcohol or illegal substances while participating in volunteer activities. Being under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances or possessing a weapon during Master Naturalist service may result in termination as a University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist.
- Provide my own transportation and pay my own expenses incurred as part of official volunteer activities. (Expenses may be tax deductible with proper documentation. Actual out-of-pocket expenses for supplies and materials provided by volunteers may be recovered through program or class fees charged to participants upon prior approval of program sponsor.)
- Possess a valid Illinois driver’s license and the minimum amount of state required automobile insurance if I will drive others as part of my approved volunteer role. I have read and understand this volunteer agreement.
- I am at least 18 years of age and have the full right and authority to execute this agreement. I further agree to abide by the conditions and behavioral expectations of this document. I understand that my failure to comply with these expectations may result in my termination as a University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist volunteer. Master Naturalist Participant:
- My address/contact information has changed not within the past 12 months.
2024 Volunteer Agreement: The intent of the agreement is to assure University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalist volunteers of our deep appreciation of your services and to indicate our commitment to do the very best we can to make your volunteer experience a productive and rewarding one.