Thank you for your interest in joining the Illinois Grand Prairie Master Naturalists Program! We are excited to host the Fall training course from August 11, 2024 to November 16, 2024. This training course will be a hybrid model that includes weekly self-paced reading materials, videos, in-person lectures, hikes, and more.  The in-person portion will occur on Thursdays from 9:00 am to Noon at various locations within McLean, Livingston, and Woodford Counties.  

We are able to accept up to 20 trainees for the new class. The process begins today as you complete the below form to indicate your interest in starting the program. Along with completing this form, please send us your 2024 Master Naturalist Application.  To do so electronically, please email your form to Darci Webber at dlwebber@illinois.edu, send it in the mail to the McLean County Extension Office at 1615 Commerce Parkway, Bloomington IL 61704, or drop it off at the office in person.  Once registration closes, we will begin the interview process for the Master Naturalists volunteer program. This will be a time when we can get to know you and why you're interested in joining our dedicated volunteer group, and you can ask any questions you may have about the program. 

After the interviews, we will be reaching out with acceptance decisions. All accepted volunteers will be asked to complete the required background screenings and pay the $250 course fee. We will continue to be in touch throughout the summer with class schedules and additional information. 

For any questions, please reach out to Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator, Darci Webber at dlwebber@illinois.edu or by calling our office at (309) 663-8306