Participants study a body of water during an Indiana Master Naturalist class. Photo provided by Kosciusko County Soil & Water Conservation District.

News Release

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Soil & Water Conservation District is once again sponsoring an Indiana Master Naturalist program.

Kosciusko County and surrounding areas have abundant and diverse natural resources to showcase, and participants should find the program informative and fun, according to a news release from the district. The Indiana Master Naturalist program is an opportunity to learn about nature from experts, give back to your community through conservation volunteerism and meet like-minded people who also have a passion for natural resources.

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana plants, water, soils and wildlife, and to promote natural resource volunteer service within the state of Indiana. This year the program will be showcasing topics including birds, wildflowers, soils, geology, water, wetlands, trees, mammals, habitats and astronomy.

Classes will meet once a month March through October and will be followed by an assessment and graduation to celebrate the completion of the program in November. Class meetings will include a lecture from experts in topic areas followed by a field experience with hands-on learning in locations across the county. Those who complete the course work and 24 hours of approved volunteer work will achieve Indiana Master Naturalist certification.

Classes are scheduled in the evenings on Thursdays, March 13, April 24, May 15, June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, Sept. 11, Oct. 16 and Nov. 13. Class participants will receive a book for most topics covered in the program. The class is limited to 20 participants and is filling up quickly. Applications will be accepted until Friday, Feb. 14, or until the class is filled.

Most sessions will require moderate walking; to discuss possible accommodations, contact the office at (574) 267-7445, ext. 3, prior to enrolling in the program. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older. The cost of the program is $175 per student or $250 for two students within the same household who choose to share books. Scholarships are available; inquire if the program cost will be a barrier to your participation.

For more information about the Indiana Master Naturalist program, contact the Soil & Water Conservation District office at (574) 267-7445, ext. 3, or check visit the website at kosciuskoswcd.org/imn.

Those who complete the program’s full course and other requirements will earn Indiana Master Naturalist certification. Photo provided by Kosciusko County Soil & Water Conservation District.