Natural History

The land itself reads well…from a lively, unfinished manuscript. Records, prophesies, mysteries are inscribed there, and changes...always changes. Go examine for yourself the original manuscript, which begins at your front door."
—May Theilgaard Watts

See nature come alive as you explore woodlands, wetlands, and prairie in our Natural History education classes offered throughout the year. Select from classes on birds, trees, rocks, lichens, wildflowers, or butterflies. Venture into botany, geology, ecology, or nature journaling.

Members:  Arboretum members must present their Membership Card at the entry gate with each visit.

View and enroll in the current schedule of classes.

Naturalist Certificate Program

The Arboretum's Naturalist Certificate Program offers field classes in the natural history of Illinois, guiding you through an extraordinary personal journey while intimately studying plants, animals, and ecosystems.

Through participation you will:

• Find your place in the natural world.
• Gain an understanding of the natural history of northern Illinois.
• Develop your ability to explore, investigate, and interpret the natural world.
• Share your enthusiasm and curiosity about how the world works with people of similar interests.
• Meet regional professionals.

Program Outline

The Naturalist Certificate has ten core courses and two track options. You may choose to focus on Natural Areas and study northern Illinois ecology, plants, and animals. Or you may select the Interpretive track to concentrate on communicating your interest and excitement about nature to others. Elective classes (43 contact hours required) allow the flexibility for you to build a program that matches your particular areas of interest.

Core Courses

The course schedule includes day and evening classes held weekdays and weekends. Limited class size gives you the opportunity to interact personally with instructors and fellow students. Our instructors include academic experts, local natural areas managers, and Arboretum staff who bring you up-to-date information and professional experience.

Field Ecology: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Study the ecology of Illinois and explore the relationships between plants, animals, and their environment. Explore the methods and techniques of field-testing to analyze, evaluate, and characterize ecological systems. All four classes are required but are not sequential.

Northern Illinois Fauna: Winter, Spring
Explore the fascinating world of Illinois insects, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Study life histories and behavior patterns and practice field identification. Both classes are required but are not sequential.

Local Flora: Spring, Summer, Fall
Learn to recognize and identify native and introduced plants in our forests, prairies, and wetlands. Study plant characteristics, names, and habitat. Only one course in this series is required; the others are available for elective credit.

Conservation Biology
Examine the current concepts and challenging issues in conservation biology. We will emphasize an understanding of biodiversity as it relates to restoration ecology, habitat management, and endangered species preservation. Gain a deeper insight into the connections between local and global issues. (Usually offered in Winter)

Introduction to Botany
Study life cycles, structures, and functions of plants. Class includes both lectures to introduce concepts and lab sessions in which you explore the science of plants. (Usually offered in Fall, Winter)

Interpretive Skills for Naturalists
Learn the techniques of skillful interpretation that will capture the richness of the natural world and bring it to life for your audience. Help others find their own curiosity about the natural world. (Usually offered in Winter, Summer)

Track Courses

Tree Identification and Ecology (Natural Areas Track)
Identify 80 native and introduced woody trees of the Chicago region while developing an understanding of their habitats and ecology. (Usually offered in Summer, Fall)

Natural Areas Management (Natural Areas Track)
Visit local prairies, savannas, woodlands, and wetlands to learn about the complexities facing land managers, and the innovative approaches they are applying to restoration and management. (Usually offered in Summer, Fall)

The Curious Naturalist (Interpretive Track)
Share your love of nature with others! Sharing knowledge and skill is really about starting a conversation. Learn to start and manage engaging conversations with children and adults, helping them find their own curiosity about the natural world. (Usually offered in Fall)

Nature Writing (Interpretive Track)
Whether you are writing a simple, two-sentence description of a tree, or an extended essay on the value of nature preserves, effective nature writing inspires as well as informs. Study and practice the basics of clear, concise prose and learn the features that distinguish quality nature writing. (Usually offered in Fall)

Elective Courses

Elective courses change from season to season, expanding the certificate with new information and responding to student evaluations and requests. Elective courses will include classes, workshops, and seminars in the following topic areas:

• Ecology and land management of prairies, woodlands, and wetlands
• Biodiversity studies of local plants and animals
• Geological and glacial history of northern Illinois
• Soil, vegetation, and water systems and dynamics
• Interpreting and teaching ecological principles