Become An Indiana Master Naturalist!     2012

 Interested and intrigued by nature and the environment?

Want to learn more aboutIndiana’s natural resources and share this information with others?

The Indiana Master Naturalist Program is an educational/volunteer program developed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Purdue Extension to provide citizens with hands-on opportunities to learn about our State’s natural features and resources.  The purpose of the program is to:

  •  Bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners (18 years and older) to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, soils, water, wildlife, history and people, and to promote volunteer service in local communities.
  • Provide an educational opportunity for course participants by volunteering with a local agency or organization involved in natural resource management.
  •  In Allen County Indiana, this program is sponsored by Fox Island Alliance and Allen CountyParks.

Program Information

  • The sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9:30 pm and on Saturday mornings from 8:30am to 12:30pm and either at Fox Island County Park or Metea County Park or Purdue Extension.
  • The sessions begin on March 13 with Orientation  and end on May 15 with the exam.
  • Participants must attend the orientation meeting on Tuesday evening,  March 13.
  • Participants must attend at least 8 of the 9 class sessions, complete the final exam, and complete 33 volunteer hours to obtain Indiana Master Naturalist Certification, a pin and a newsletter. Graduation Day is  Tuesday, October 16, 2012.
  •  Class size is limited to 30 applicants. Space is reserved on a first-come first-served basis; and space will be reserved only when the $80.00 registration fee is paid.  Advance registration is due by Monday,  March 5.

You will receive a letter inviting you to orientation if you are among the first 30 to register.

Class Schedule

Date

         Sessions*         Instructor        Time

        Location

3/13

Orientation

Get Acquainted/ Naturalists

6:00–
9:30 pm
Metea County Park
3/20

Forest Ecology

   Dr. Jim Tobolski 6:00–
9:30 pm
Metea County Park
3-27

Reptiles & Amphibians

 Dr. Bruce Kingsbury 6:00–
9:30 pm
Fox Island County Park
4/10          Geology      Tony Fleming 6:00 –
9:30 pm
Metea County Park
4/14           Birds    Dr. James Haw 8:30am-12:30pm Fox Island County Park
4/21       Wetlands       Tim Skiver 8:30am-12:30pm

Fox Island County Park

4-28       Wildflowers        Ben Hess 8:30am-12:30pm Fox Island County Park
5/1          Insects   R. Divelbiss &
Kari Harding
6:00–
9:30 pm
Metea County Park
5/8        Mammals Dr. Bruce Kingsbury 6:00 –
9:30 pm
Metea County Park
5/12      Native Trees Ricky Kemery 8:30am- 12:30pm Extension Office
5/15     Final Exam

Required –
No makeup

6pm-? Metea County Park

*Note- Some sessions will require moderate walking.

Questions?  Contact Kate Ferguson –749-8881 or katef8881@comcast.net for information. To download a 2012 application click here