Registrations | Illinois Extension

Join us for the 2026 Illinois Master Naturalist State Conference: Rooted in the Prairie on October 15-16, 2026! This annual gathering is your opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Illinois' natural world, connect with fellow naturalists and experts, and enhance your skills as an environmental steward. Expect engaging presentations, insightful breakout sessions, and valuable networking opportunities focused on conservation, restoration, and the diverse ecosystems of our state. Whether you're a seasoned Master Naturalist or just starting your journey, this conference offers something for everyone passionate about protecting and preserving Illinois' natural heritage.

Please register by September 11, 2026 if you would like a t-shirt.

Learn more about the tours and sessions: https://go.illinois.edu/MNConference

Agenda:
October 15, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Various Locations- See conference webiste for details
Tours to local sites.

October 15, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Camp Illinek, Chatham, IL (6610 Iron Bridge Rd.)
Evening mixer for night tours, socializing, and yummy food at a campsite.

October 16, 2025 | 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
UIS Public Affairs Center, Springfield, IL (2200 Ernest Hemingway Dr.)
Keynote presentation, breakout sessions, and nature books & banter

For questions about registration, please contact Abigail Garofalo at aeg9@illinois.edu or 217-333-9502. If you need an accommodation to participate, please contact Abigail Garofalo at aeg9@illinois.edu or (217)333-9502. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.

Contact Information

First Name

Last Name

Street Address

Street Address 2

City

State

ZIP

Daytime Phone

Evening Phone

E-mail Address

What county do you serve as a Master Naturalist?

Thursday Tour Options Select the tour you would like to attend

Rexroat Prairie and Tyner-Lael Wetland and Prairie Restoration (10am-2pm) ($10.00)

[20 of 20 filled]

IL State Museum behind the scenes tour of research & collections (start: 1:30pm) ($10.00)

[10 of 10 filled]

Dana-Thomas House (start: 1:30 pm) Note: This tour has a 15-person minimum. We will contact you if there are not enough registrants. ($10.00)

Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary (10am-1pm) ($10.00)

[20 of 25 filled]

Invasive Species Management Field Tour (10am-2pm)- Lunch provided ($20.00)

[5 of 20 filled]

I do not plan on attending a tour

Discount code

Do you plan on attending the Evening Mixer?

Yes, I'll be there! ($10.00)

No, sad to miss it

Discount code

Do you plan on attending the classroom sessions on October 16, 2026 at University of Illinois Springfield Public Affairs Center - 1 University Plz, 2200 Ernest Hemingway Dr, Springfield, IL 62703

Yes, I plan on attending the classroom sessions. ($60.00)

Discount code

Breakout Session 1: 10:45am- 11:35am select the session you would like to attend

Climate Stewards: turning climate conversations into local action with Linda Derhak

[23 of 60 filled]

Exploring Nature's Timing and Climate Change with Lorna Shuman

[42 of 100 filled]

From Drought to Flood and Back Again with Trent Ford

[28 of 60 filled]

Master Naturalist Coordinator Session 1 (Extension MN Coordinator Staff Only)

[14 of 40 filled]

Breakout Session 2: 11:40am- 12:30am select the session you would like to attend

The Buzz on Bees: Illinois Native Bees with Sarah Davis

[43 of 60 filled]

Birding for Master Naturalists with Brodie Dunn

[31 of 60 filled]

Which Grass is Which: Prairie Grass Identification with Erin Garrett

[18 of 100 filled]

Master Naturalist Coordinator Session 2 (Extension MN Coordinator Staff Only)

[14 of 40 filled]

Breakout Session 3: 1:45pm- 2:40pm select the session you would like to attend

The (Brief) History of Bird Banding and Its Importance with Matt Hayes

[10 of 100 filled]

Connecting People to the Prairie through interpretation with Jenny Garver

[42 of 60 filled]

Origins of the Tallgrass Prairie with Fred Delcomyn

[40 of 60 filled]

Master Naturalist Coordinator Session 3 (Extension MN Coordinator Staff Only)

[14 of 40 filled]

Do you have any dietary restrictions?

No Restrictions

Yes, I will list below:

List any dietary restrictions you indicated above:

T-Shirt Pre-Order If you are staff ordering multiple shirts for your chapter, please reach out to Abigail

X-Small ($15.00)

Small ($15.00)

Medium ($15.00)

Large ($15.00)

X-Large ($15.00)

2X-Large ($15.00)

3X-Large ($15.00)

Photo Release I, the undersigned, do hereby consent to the use by The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois (University) of my image, voice, or both described below, in (1) the video, photograph, or audio recording described below; and (2) any video, photograph, or audio recording reproduced either in whole or in part from the video, photograph or audio recording described below: regardless of whether these materials are used for fundraising, advertising, publicity, or any other purpose on behalf of either the University or its Foundation. I warrant that I have the full right and authority to grant this consent. In addition, I waive all claims to compensation or damages based on the use of my image or voice, or both, by either the University or the Foundation. I also waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photograph or video or audio recording. I understand that this consent is perpetual, that I may not revoke it, and that it is binding on me, my heirs and assigns. I warrant that I am at least 18 years of age and that I am competent in my own name insofar as this consent is concerned, or that I am the parent or legal guardian authorized to sign on behalf of a person under age 18. I further attest that I have read this consent form and fully understand its contents.

Yes, I do consent

No, I do not consent

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

Refund Policy

Refunds available before September 11, 2026. Any purchases after September 11, 2026 cannot be refunded.

Total Registration Cost $

2026 Illinois Master Naturalist Conference

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Contact Information

Civil Rights Compliance - Participant Info