ILLINOIS EXTENSION TO OFFER MASTER NATURALIST TRAINING THIS FALL

Illinois Extension is offering a rare opportunity this fall for residents in Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties to become trained as Illinois Master Naturalists. The program prepares volunteers to promote natural resource and wildlife conservation through community service, educational outreach, and partnerships. Training covers topics including geology, prairies, botany, ornithology, and other natural resource subjects. Classes begin September 1st and conclude with graduation on November 10th in Mt. Carmel. The program includes approximately 30 hours of online coursework along with local field trips, totaling 40 hours of instruction. While participants who wish to become certified Master Naturalists must meet annual volunteer requirements after completing the training, certification is not required to take part in the course. An informational meeting for prospective participants will be held Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Wabash County Extension Office, 738 N. Market St. in Mt. Carmel. The session will cover volunteer opportunities, certification requirements, and details about the upcoming training. Registration is available online for both the informational session and the training at go.illinois.edu/MNinfoELRWW for the info session or go.illinois.edu/MNtrainingELRWW for the training. Those wishing to register by phone or requesting accommodations may contact the Edwards County Extension Office at 618-445-2934. Early requests are encouraged. For additional information about the Illinois Master Naturalist program, visit the University of Illinois Extension website. For more information about Illinois Master Naturalists, visit go.illinois.edu/MN.