Master Naturalist Training 2012 scheduled

OTTAWA — University of Illinois Extension Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam Unit will once again be offering training in the Illinois Master Naturalist Program beginning March 28. Classes will be offered in the LaSalle County Extension Office on Wednesday from 5 to 8 p.m., and several field trips will be scheduled on Saturdays.

Anyone 18 years or older and interested in the outdoors, nature and the environment is encouraged to consider this program. Participants will meet others with similar interests, have organized opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and help others and your community.

“City governments, park districts, agencies and others have utilized the program to obtain training for employees and community workers; it is an economical way to enhance your community,” said Paul Barrett, University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Coordinator.

Topics include: Aquatic life and systems, botany, ecological concepts, entomology, geology, herpetology, mammals, ornithology and bird watching, prairies and prairie restoration, wetlands. Instructors include local and regional experts in their fields. The cost of the program is $250 which includes reference books and handouts. Registration is due by March 23.

Upon completion of the initial training, participants volunteer 30 hours per year in a variety of Master Naturalist projects to earn their Certification as Master Naturalists. Approved volunteer work has included planting trees on Plum Island by Starved Rock, collecting seeds at Hennepin and Hopper lakes, answering questions at Starved Rock information center/book store and much more. New projects are developed based upon needs in our area, and ideas from the Master Naturalists.

For more information or to register, call 815 433-0707 or register online at https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=6235/.