You Can Become a Master Naturalist if… you are at least 18 years old you are interested in the environment you are willing to complete the training you can donate at least 30 hours of volunteer service as a Master Naturalist you are willing to help others you are outgoing, flexible and dependable you are unbiased and openminded you are available Wednesday afternoon/evenings & some Saturdays early September early November . Why join the Master Naturalist Program? Here’s what the 2008 Illinois Master Naturalist Interns say about the program – You are about to embark on a wonderful journey into the natural world that exists around us. – Anonymous Rich readings united with fascinating field experiences. – Ellen The time will pass quickly, you will make friends with people who like you care about our environment, nature and world. – Charlie For more information or to receive an application, complete the interest form on the back of this sheet or contact the Madison-St. Clair Extension offices at 618650-7050 or 618-236-4172. You can also email jdenby@illinois.edu or check our website at: Volunteers dedicated to enhancing the environment www.extension.uiuc.ecu/madisonstclair. University of Illinois Extension Local Extension Councils cooperating University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment Promote conservation practices through personal volunteerism. Provide inspirational, age appropriate education/interpretation programming for the public. Keep their information and training current. Develop, maintain, and utilize partnerships as part of Master Naturalist projects and programs University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment University of Illinois Extension Local Extension Councils cooperating Goals Phone _________________________ email______________________ Ecology Botany Geology Mammalogy Soil Science Grasslands Biology Entomology Forestry Ornithology Archaeology Natural History Ecosystem Management Land Use Management Art of Interpretation Environmental Ethics & Philosophy Local Issues Upon successful completion of the 40 hour training, Master Naturalists volunteer 30 service hours in approved local environmental and educational activities, and agree to 10 hours of continuing education during subsequent years. City, _________________________________________________State _____ Zip ______ Class Topics Following selection, classroom and field trainings are held in various locations throughout the Metro East. A $250 fee is charged for the training, and includes many books, posters, handouts, and a Master Naturalist Manual. We are currently seeking sponsorships to offset this fee. Address __________________________________________________________________ Members of the community who work on behalf of and under the supervision of University of Illinois Extension and in conjunction with the local Master Naturalist Advisory Committee, representing various agencies and organizations throughout Madison and St. Clair Counties. The Master Naturalist program is a large commitment for dedicated volunteers. Name ____________________________________________________________________ Well trained volunteers who provide education, outreach and service dedicated toward the beneficial management of natural resources in their communities. To indicate your interest in the Master Naturalist program, complete and return this form to the University of Illinois Extension office, Madison County, 900 Hillsboro Ave., Edwardsville, IL 62025. An application will be mailed and requested by July 24, 2009. How to Become a Master Naturalist. Master Naturalist Interest Form Who are Master Naturalists? Illinois Master Naturalist Application Madison-St. Clair Unit 2009 I wish to become a Master Naturalist, and would like to be accepted into the 2009 training program. I understand that I will be required to complete an informal interview before being accepted into the program. Please type or print: Name (as you wish it to appear on nametag.)_____________________________________ Address__________________________________________________________________ City _____________________________________State ___________Zip_____________ County _________________________________ Occupation ______________________ Phone - Day ____________________________ Evening ________________________ Email address _____________________________________________________________ 1. Please list any training, education or experience in natural area management, environmental education, research or related areas. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 2. Do you have any teaching experience with children or adults, either formally or informally? Yes______ No________ If yes, please describe. ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ 3. Please rate your expertise in the following areas: 1 – experienced 2 – some knowledge 3- none _____ Prairies _____ Birds _____ Soils _____ Forests _____ Amphibians/reptiles _____ Ecology _____ Wetlands _____ Insects _____ Interpretation _____ Lakes/Ponds _____ Natives/invasives _____ Composting _____ Mammals _____ Water Conservation 4. Please list any special skills (computer, art, writing, photography, etc.) _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ 5. Are you available for Wednesday afternoon/evening and Saturday training sessions? Yes_____ No_____ 6. Are you employed by any environmental/natural areas organizations? Yes _____ No_____ If yes, please list organization____________________________ 7. Are you presently or have you in the past volunteered for any environmental/natural area organizations? Yes _____ No _____ If yes, please list organization____________________________ 8. What are your hobbies or interests? ______________________________________________________________________ 9. Do you speak any languages in addition to English? If yes, ________________________. Optional data: Ethnic Background: Date of Birth__________________ White __ Hispanic __ Black ___ Asian __ Native American __ Other __ If you are accepted into the Master Naturalist Program and you successfully complete the approximately 40 hours of training, do you agree to fulfill the required 30 hours of volunteer service in approved activities to the Illinois Master Naturalist program within one year? Yes _____ Signature ___________________________________ Date _______________________ Thank you for your interest in the Master Naturalist program. You will be contacted for an interview as the next step. To apply please send this application along with one-half of $250 fee ($125.00) to: University of Illinois Extension ATTN: Illinois Master Naturalist Madison-St. Clair Unit 900 Hillsboro Ave. P.O. Box 427 Edwardsville, IL 62025 618-650-7050 fax 618-655-9951 For more information, visit our website: www.extension.uiuc.edu/madisonstclair If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact Jan Denby, University of Illinois Extension, Madison/St. Clair Counties at 618-650-7050 or visit our website.