UI Extension Dewitt Macon & Piatt Counties Master Naturalists

08/20/2026

What a fun, relaxing evening spent creating nature glass. Thanks to everyone who came out and had fun with us!

08/15/2026

Just a reminder that there are just a few more days left to register for this class. Registration closes on August 17.

Master Naturalist and Master Gardener volunteer Merry Lanker will guide participants step by step in creating a beautiful glass painting. Indulge your creative side and register today!

There is a $5 supply fee for this class.
go.illinois.edu/NatureArt

08/14/2026

The Master Naturalist Book Club will be meeting at 6 p.m. on September 23 at the Macon County Extension office. We will be reading We Bought a Zoo by Benjamin Mee and sharing our thoughts on the book.

Come join us! There is no charge to attend, and we welcome anyone 18 and up.

Email [email protected] or call 217-877-6042 to let her know you will be attending or to request a link to participate virtually.

08/13/2026

Is it a dragonfly or damselfly? Learn how to tell the difference between these two fascinating insects at this month's Growing Community Program with DeWitt and Piatt Master Gardeners

August 18 | Noon | Piatt County Extension Office

🔗Register by August 17 at go.illinois.edu/GrowingCommunity

07/29/2026

This is such exciting news! 🦅🦉

Big news for Decatur!

We are proud to share that Decatur, Illinois has been awarded the Bird City Illinois designation by the Audubon Council of Illinois.

This recognition celebrates our community's commitment to habitat conservation, environmental education, and creating a healthier environment for birds, wildlife, and people. “This award has only been granted to about a dozen other communities. Decatur is the only community south of I-80 to receive it.” According to the Decatur Audubon Society.

Congratulations to the Decatur Audubon and everyone whose dedication helped make this achievement possible!

07/27/2026

Mark your calendar for this hands-on program hosted by Illinois Extension Master Gardener & Master Naturalist volunteer Merry Lanker.

Nature Glass Painting | August 19 | 6 p.m | Macon County Extension office

There is a $5 supply fee to attend this program.

Register by August 18 at go.illinois.edu/NatureArt

07/16/2026

The DeWitt County Extension office will be closing early on Friday, July 17 at 2:30 PM and Friday, July 24 at noon to walk-in traffic. Staff will still be available by phone and email. We apologize for any inconvenience.

06/29/2026

Are you a teacher needing professional development hours? Or just someone interested in nature? Illinois Department of Natural Resources has some great workshops that give you a chance to also earn professional development hours. Visit https://www.enticeworkshops.com for details and the complete list of workshops and to register. Experience ENTICE! The cost is $11 for 6 hours of PD. Educators walk away with $50-100 worth of books and other items they can use in their classroom.

Opportunity for educators! Discover the wonders of nature right outside your classroom. Join us for "Neighborhood Nature," an engaging ENTICE (Environment and Nature Training Institute for Conservation Education) workshop on Saturday, July 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Springfield.

Educators of all grade levels can learn how to utilize nature and natural phenomena. Look for patterns, investigate plant and animal needs and preferences, and explore the amazing adaptations of the organisms in our schoolyards and neighborhoods.

Supplemental resources and Professional Development Hours are available. Sign up at https://www.enticeworkshops.com.

06/25/2026

Did you know that a fungus is widely considered the largest living organism on Earth? Specifically, the humming fungus (Armillaria ostoyae) in Oregon’s Blue Mountains. It covers over 2,385 acres (nearly 4 square miles) and weighs hundreds of tons, spanning miles of underground mycelial networks.

Learn more fascinating nature facts at our monthly Master Naturalist Book Club. We are taking a two-month hiatus in July and August, but we will be back to reading in September. Please consider joining us. It's a great time. You are not required to be a Master Naturalist to attend.

Our next book is We Bought a Zoo by Benjamin Mee. We will meet on September 23 at 6pm at the Extension Office in Decatur.

06/22/2026

It's time for book club again. If you've been reading this month's selection, and plan to attend, email [email protected]. Remember, you can still attend even if you haven't finished the book.

June 24 | 6 p.m. | Macon County Extension Office