WARSAW — Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District has announced its sponsorship of a 2018 Indiana Master Naturalist class in Kosciusko County, according to Darci Zolman, KSWCD program administrator.

“The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils and wildlife, and promote volunteer service in local communities,” said Zolman.  “Sponsored on the state level by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, the classes will investigate 12 topics specific to the natural resources of  our county and  the State of Indiana.  Classes will meet once a month beginning in March and continuing through November.  Class meetings will typically include a lecture by a specialist in the specific field, followed by a field trip with hands-on learning,” she continued.  “Those who complete the coursework will be interns and full Indiana Master Naturalist certification comes after 24 hours of approved volunteer work.”

“We’re very excited to offer this opportunity to community members who are interested in, and wanting to learn more about, our natural resources – not to mention increasing our volunteer workforce,” Zolman concluded.

Classes will be held the second Thursday of each month from 5:30-8:30 p.m., March through November, at various locations throughout the county.  The cost for the program is $170/participant which includes all the lectures and resource materials including several books. Applicants must be 18 years or older.

For more information contact Darci Zolman at Kosciusko SWCD, 217 E. Bell Drive, Warsaw, or by phone (574) 267-7445 x5374.