2026 Cook County Junior Master Naturalist Program
Registration for the Junior Master Naturalist program is now closed. You can register for the waitlist following this link: https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/2026-cook-county-junior-master-naturalist-program-waitlist
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Rainah Folk at rfolk2@illinois.edu.
Thank you for your interest in participating in the University of Illinois Extension Junior Master Naturalist 4-H Special Interest Club!
As a participant, you will explore local ecosystems through hands-on, outdoor activities led by trained educators and environmental experts. You should expect to spend time outdoors in various weather conditions throughout the seven-week program, and will learn alongside other young naturalists, build skills in observation and teamwork, and deepen your understanding of what it means to care for the environment and your community.
Program Schedule (Spring 2026)
*Sessions are tentatively scheduled to be held on the following dates at Sand Ridge Nature Center and Sandridge Community Center.
*Sessions are tentatively scheduled to be held on the following dates at Sand Ridge Nature Center and Sandridge Community Center.
Date Time Topic
03/28 9 AM – 12 PM Stewardship
04/04 9 AM – 12 PM Geology and Landforms
04/11 1 PM – 3 PM Wetlands and Ecology
04/18 1 PM – 3 PM Botany and Native Plants
04/25 1 PM – 3 PM Weather and Climate
05/02 9 AM – 1:30 PM Naturalist Project Workshop
05/09 9 AM – 1:30 PM 4-H Mini Fair
03/28 9 AM – 12 PM Stewardship
04/04 9 AM – 12 PM Geology and Landforms
04/11 1 PM – 3 PM Wetlands and Ecology
04/18 1 PM – 3 PM Botany and Native Plants
04/25 1 PM – 3 PM Weather and Climate
05/02 9 AM – 1:30 PM Naturalist Project Workshop
05/09 9 AM – 1:30 PM 4-H Mini Fair
Please reach out to Rainah Folk with the University of Illinois Extension with questions or concerns at rfolk2@illinois.edu