Indiana Master Naturalist 2026
Become An Indiana Master Naturalist
Interested and intrigued by nature and the environment? Want to learn more about Indiana’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 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, water, soils, and wildlife, and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.
- 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, Allen County Parks and PFW Environmental Resource Center.
To find more information on classes and other sites hosting IMN classes click here
Program Information:
The sessions begin on Tuesday, March 3rd and end on Tuesday, May 12th with a an exam.
The Orientation Meeting on Tuesday evening, March 3rd is an essential part of the program. Please notify me if you can’t attend that night.
Participants must complete at least 8 classes of the 13 classes offered plus the Orientation, complete weekly quizzes, and accumulate 24 hours of volunteer work to obtain Indiana Master Naturalist Certification and a pin. Any session that includes an academic presentation on Tuesday and a hike on Saturday is considered ONE session.
Class size is limited to 30 applicants. Space is reserved on a first-come first-served basis.
** Hiking sessions will require moderate walking.
Important: Your registration form needs to be mailed or emailed to Tori Mumaw immediately to secure a place in the 2026 IMN session. See application for address. The registration fee is due the evening of the orientation (Tuesday, March 3rd).
Money may not be returned after orientation unless there are extenuating circumstances. These non-refundable fees can be applied to future IMN programs either in Allen County or at other IMN state sites.
If you have special needs, please indicate on the registration form, or call us at (260)312-3069 prior to the orientation session.
Fox Island Alliance is a volunteer not- for- profit organization.
Questions? Contact Tori Mumaw at (260) 312-3069 mumawvictoria@gmail.com or Kate Sanders at katesanders137@gmail.com.To download and print this information and an application click here
Scroll down to see schedule
| Date | Topic | Instructor(s) | Time | Location |
| 03/3 | Orientation | Tori Mumaw/Kate Sanders | 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Fox Island |
| 03/10 | Native American/Early Naturalist | Greta Sirois/ Terri Lehman | 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Fox Island |
| 03/14 | Geology | Tony Fleming | 8:30 am- 12:30 pm | Fox Island |
| 03/17 | Reptiles and Amphibians | Dr. Bruce Kingsbury | 6:00 pm- 9:30 pm | ERC |
| 03/24 | Forest Ecology | Dr. Jordan Marshall | 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm | ERC |
| 03/31 | Mammals | Dr. Scott Bergeson | 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm | ERC |
| 04/07 | Entomology | Kate Sanders | 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Fox Island |
| 04/11 | Historic Walk | Pam George | 9:00 am – 2:00 pm | Downtown FW |
| 04/14 | Conservation and Restoration | Ben Hess | 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Metea |
| 04/21 | Wetlands | Kate Sanders | 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Fox Island |
| 03/22 | Lake and Stream Ecology and Hike | Tori Mumaw/Kate Sanders | 8:30 am – 12:30 pm | Metea |
| 04/28 | Wildflowers and Hike | Bob Dispenza/Jeff Ormiston | 6:00 pm – 9:30 pm | Metea |
| 05/02 | Birds and Hike | Ed & Cynthia Powers | 8:30 am – 12:30 pm | Metea |
| 05/05 | Trail Guide Training | Tim Ormiston/Jeff Ormiston | 6:00 pm- 9:30 pm | Metea |
| 05/09 | Trees and Hike | Tim Ormiston/Jeff Ormiston | 8:30 am – 12:30 pm | Metea |
| 05/12 | Last Class – Exam | Tori Mumaw/Kate Sanders | 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm | Metea |