UI Extension Dewitt Macon & Piatt Counties Master Naturalists

UI Extension Dewitt Macon & Piatt Counties Master Naturalists The Illinois Master Naturalist program strives to improve public understanding of the natural world through education and outreach activities.

University of Illinois Extension offers a Master Naturalist Program to local residents within DeWitt, Macon & Piatt Counties. This opportunity provides science-based educational opportunities that connect people with nature and help them become engaged environmental stewards. The Illinois Master Naturalist program strives to improve public understanding of the natural world through natural resourc

e education and outreach activities. Comments, links, photos, and videos are welcome on all University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign social media platforms. Comments or posts to University accounts can be removed for any of the following reasons, at any time and without notice, if they:

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Book  Club is coming up next week. We will be discussing Night Magic by Leigh Ann Henion. Haven't finished it yet, no pr...
05/20/2026

Book Club is coming up next week. We will be discussing Night Magic by Leigh Ann Henion. Haven't finished it yet, no problem, you can still attend and hear other's thoughts.

May 27 | 6 p.m. | Macon County Extension office

Email [email protected] to let her know you will be attending or to request a link to participate virtually.

Shop a variety of natives and take home a few tomato and pepper plants! Stop by the Macon County Extension office today!...
05/12/2026

Shop a variety of natives and take home a few tomato and pepper plants! Stop by the Macon County Extension office today!

Natives: $3
Tomato and Pepper: $2 each or 2/$3

05/01/2026

Catch a sneak peek of what you'll find at the annual Master Gardner and Master Naturalist plant sale

Don't miss the annual Master Gardener and Master Naturalist plant sale happening from 9 a.m. to noon on May 2 at the Mac...
04/28/2026

Don't miss the annual Master Gardener and Master Naturalist plant sale happening from 9 a.m. to noon on May 2 at the Macon County Fairgrounds. Visitors will find an assortment of flower and vegetable plants, natives, hanging baskets, and more.

Advance registration is requested at go.illinois.edu/PlantSale or you can just stop by.

Thank you to all of our Master Naturalist volunteers who serve the community! We appreciate all that you do!
04/24/2026

Thank you to all of our Master Naturalist volunteers who serve the community! We appreciate all that you do!

Our book club will be meeting this month to discuss Flight Paths by Rebecca Heisman. If you plan to attend in-person or ...
04/16/2026

Our book club will be meeting this month to discuss Flight Paths by Rebecca Heisman. If you plan to attend in-person or virtually, please email [email protected].

Spring Birds and Blooms is happening today! It's a great morning to learn about nature!
04/11/2026

Spring Birds and Blooms is happening today! It's a great morning to learn about nature!

Have you registered for Spring Birds & Blooms happening from 8 a.m. to noon on April 11 at Rock Springs Nature Center? $...
04/07/2026

Have you registered for Spring Birds & Blooms happening from 8 a.m. to noon on April 11 at Rock Springs Nature Center? $10 registration fee includes a continental breakfast. Registration closes on April 9.

🔗go.illinois.edu/BirdsBlooms

Here's the schedule:
•7:30 a.m. - Optional birding hike with Second Saturday regulars birding group
•8 a.m. - Registration and continental breakfast
•8:30 a.m. – Gardening with Native Plants, presented by Melody Arnold, a Master Naturalist since 2010 and retired Interpretive Naturalist and Education Specialist with the Macon County Conservation District.
•9:30 a.m. – Embracing Your Inner Birder, presented by Rob Kanter, writer, photographer, and naturalist who recently retired from the School of Earth, Society, and Environment at University of Illinois.
•10:30 a.m.- Smartphone Photography for Outdoor Enthusiasts, presented by Elissa McGlaughlin, trained photojournalist and practicing portrait photographer with more than 30 years of experience.
•11:30 a.m. – Optional hands-on session dedicated to downloading and using nature-related apps on smartphones
•Noon- Nature Hike with Jenny Garver, volunteer coordinator for the Macon County Conservation District at Rock Springs Nature Center.

Have you RSVP'd for the Master Naturalist annual meeting and graduation? Email smhale@illinois.edu or call 217-877-6042 ...
03/11/2026

Have you RSVP'd for the Master Naturalist annual meeting and graduation? Email [email protected] or call 217-877-6042 by March 30 to let Stephanie know you will be attending.

**Program Cancellation**This month's Master Naturalist Book Club meeting has been cancelled. Opportunities to discuss We...
03/09/2026

**Program Cancellation**
This month's Master Naturalist Book Club meeting has been cancelled. Opportunities to discuss We Bought a Zoo will be offered at the April meeting!

Think Spring! Join other Master Naturalists for a half day of exploration and discovery at Rock Springs Nature Center. T...
02/27/2026

Think Spring! Join other Master Naturalists for a half day of exploration and discovery at Rock Springs Nature Center. This workshop is designed for anyone who wants to learn—no experience needed, just curiosity and a love of nature.

April 11 | 8 a.m. to noon

Throughout the day, you’ll learn about:
•Spring birds and simple ways to identify them
•Colorful spring blooms and the native plants that attract birds and pollinators
•Photography tips to capture what you find outdoors
•Nature apps that help you identify and explore plants and wildlife.

Optional hike at the end of the day to put your newfound knowledge to good use.

$10 registration fee includes a continental breakfast
Register at go.illinois.edu/BirdsBlooms

Address

3351 N. President Howard Brown Boulevard
Decatur, IL
62521

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+12178776042

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