Training

What does the training involve?

Training sessions are typically offered one day a week over a two-month period and are led by expert educators in the region. Approximately 70 hours of classroom instruction and field study and 40 hours of volunteer work is required to complete the program and become certified. In order to remain a certified Master Naturalist, 30 hours of volunteer work and 10 hours of continuing education or advanced training are required each year.

What are the training dates?

Training includes Tuesday classes and Saturday field trips. Training will start Tuesday August 25th 2009. Remaining dates include Sept 1, 8, 12(field trip), 15, 22, 29, Oct 3 (field trip), Oct 6, 13, 20, and 27. Classes are from 9AM to 4PM with 2 Saturday field trips. Locations will vary throughout the east-central region. Contact our office for a more detailed schedule. Trainees are expected to participate in all the training sessions and field trips.

What topics will be covered in the program?

During the program you will learn about many different facets of natural resources. A combination of classroom instruction and field study will be used to present topics such as:

What does the program cost?

Each trainee receives an MN manual for them to keep as a reference. In addition trainees will receive appropriate posters and educational materials. During training snacks will be provided. Because of the generous financial support from Extension Education Foundation, Champaign County Forest Preserve District and Urbana Park District the cost to participants is only $175.

Please click here for the online application. Apply today. Class size is limited. Send in online or print and send to:

University of Illinois Extension – Champaign County

801 North Country Fair Drive, Suite D; Champaign, Ill 61821

Applicants are required to participate in a 15 minute informal interview on July 16th.