Master Naturalist Core Education 2026

The 5-day course will be held Monday, September 28 to Friday, October 2, from 9 am-3 pm each day (with a short lunch break) and will include hands-on learning at natural outdoor areas throughout the four-county unit and digital learning on your own. Soon after registering, Brittany Chambers, Master Naturalist program coordinator, will reach out to you to schedule a meet and greet to discuss the program in greater detail and to get to know you and your goals with this training. You will also be provided a link to training material that you can do online before the training and reference after. You will also be provided with links to other helpful resources.

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Contact Information

First Name

Last Name

Street Address

Street Address 2

City

State

ZIP

Daytime Phone

Evening Phone

E-mail Address

Date of Birth

I am an Illinois teacher taking the course for Professional Development Hours:

yes

Registration Select the registration option that best fits your goals.

Official Extension Master Naturalist Volunteer ($250.00)

Current Master Gardener - Advanced Certification in Natural Resources ($125.00)

Please provide days of the week and preferred times you would be able to meet with Brittany Chambers for an interview prior to attending training. Monday thru Friday between the hours of 9 AM and 3 PM. The meetings should take approximately one hour. Special arrangements can be made if other times are needed.

Why do you want to take the University of Illinois Extension Naturalist Core Training?

Have you had any previous affiliations with the University of Illinois and/or Extension?

Yes

Have you been in another Master Naturalist program? If yes, where and when?

I authorize the University of Illinois to contact the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to initiate a search of the Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System and other sources as necessary.I understand that I must be officially accepted before beginning my volunteer position. I understand that misrepresentation or omission of facts requested in this application is cause for rejection as an Extension volunteer. I agree to fulfill the responsibilities of this volunteer position to the best of my ability if appointed. I understand that failure to comply with the rules may lead to dismissal from this position. Type name as signature & date you will receive an email with instructions to complete the DCFS background check

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

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

A full refund will be issued to participants who withdraw from the training by September 1, 2026. A partial refund will be given after September 2, 2026.

Total Registration Cost $