|  Training will begin in late August and go through October. Classes 
			run one full weekday each week. Optional Saturday field trips will 
			be scheduled for hands-on training. Trainees study the ecology of 
			forests and grasslands, streams and wetlands. They get hands-on 
			experience as they learn about plants, insects, frogs, toads, 
			snakes, birds and mammals. And they gain an appreciation of the 
			physical and human context of our environment through sessions on 
			anthropology and environmental ethics. Extension's Logan-Menard-Sangamon Unit offers the program in 
			partnership with Lincoln Memorial Garden, Illinois Audubon Society 
			at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary, the Friends of the Sangamon Valley, and 
			Logan County Park and Trails -- Kickapoo Creek Park. Affiliates are 
			Star Hill Forest Arboretum and the Illinois Native Plant Society, 
			Central Chapter.  The program is designed to train participants in natural 
			resources through a combination of science-based education and 
			volunteer service. With the help of local experts, Extension 
			provides educational support, while the partners offer opportunities 
			for volunteer service. 
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			 Those who complete the Master Naturalist training must contribute 
			30 hours of volunteer service each year and complete 10 hours of 
			continuing education courses each year.  A $200 fee covers classroom sessions and field training, 
			handouts, and the Master Naturalist manual. For more information on the schedule and for an application, 
			contact the Extension office at 217-782-4617. If a special 
			accommodation is needed to attend, note that when registering. 
              
            
              
            [Text from file received from
			Jennifer Fishburn, University of 
			Illinois Extension] |