Take your love of nature to the next level

Learn more

News You Can Use

Become a Master Naturalist

Learn more about how you can become a volunteer and facilitate conservation in your community.

Volunteer Database, GivePulse

Active Master Naturalist volunteers, log your volunteer and continuing education hours here.

Everyday Environment Series

Explore the intricate web of connections that bind us to the natural world through blogs, podcasts, and webinars.

Read about nature

Be inspired to get outside and appreciate Illinois' natural beauty all seasons of the year.

Learn about Illinois wildlife

Learn about how you can support Illinois wildlife and navigate everyday encounters with research-based information you can trust.

Winter Tree Identification Workshop on You Tube

Have you always been 'stumped' by winter tree ID? Sharpen your skills with Chris Evans, Extension Educator in Forestry in this three part workshop

Upcoming Events

Spring Bird Walk

May 3, 2025

County

McLean

Green Connections: Trees in a Changing Climate

May 6, 2025

County

Fulton

Mason

Peoria

Tazewell

Golden Garden Days: Southern Celebration

May 7, 2025

County

St. Clair

Spring Forage Walk with Dr. Jason Robinson | Kankakee County

May 8, 2025

County

Kankakee

More Events

Recent News

A group of Extension staff and volunteers visiting and conversing at an outdoor event

April 22, 2025

Immeasurable impact gained through dedication of Illinois Extension volunteers
URBANA, Ill. — They are friends, neighbors, family members, or someone we run into at local community events. More than 5,000 of these individuals are University of Illinois Extension volunteers.These volunteers make a difference in their...

April 18, 2025

Sprout gardening skills at regional Master Gardener 50th Anniversary Celebrations
URBANA, Ill. — Seek out pollinators in native gardens, dive into the world of aquaponics, and see how cutting-edge technology is transforming garden design at upcoming statewide Golden Garden Day celebrations of the 50-year legacy of University...

View of a layered landscape all green in bloom with flowers, trees, and shrubs in the woods.

April 14, 2025

A layered landscape provides space for wildlife all year
URBANA, Ill. — There are many ways to support pollinators and other wildlife in home landscapes, such as providing floral resources throughout the season, planting host plants, and planting native plants. In addition, consider creating a space for them to live out their life cycles by creating...

April 14, 2025

Welcome summer with the Master Naturalists’ outdoor education opportunities at COMLARA
Bloomington Ill. – The trees are starting to bloom, and the University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists are eager to be back in nature, enjoying the warm weather again and sharing their knowledge about the great outdoors. This summer, Master Naturalists are continuing to expand...

March 27, 2025

Owls of Illinois programming continues to grow
Livingston County is home to small towns with strong community ties, as well as hidden treasures owned by the Prairie Lands Foundation. The University of Illinois Extension Master Naturalists, in partnership with the Prairie Lands Foundation, strives to help the community experience the beauty...

More News Releases

Take your love of nature to the next level

News You Can Use

Check out Illinois Extension’s complete offerings