Monica Grubbs teaches IMNs how to sample for aquatic macroinvertebrates. From left, Thelma Rohrer, Charlene Johnson, Barb Homme, Susan Finney, Monica Grubbs, and Mythili Munichetty. Photo provided by Kosciusko County Indiana Master Naturalists.

By Maksym Hart
InkFreeNews

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Nature lovers unite. The Kosciusko Indiana Master Naturalists program is an opportunity for adults interested in the environment to find like-minded people, preserve local ecology and learn hands-on lessons about natural resources from experts.

IMN, part of Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources, is a program held each year, which connects program members with professionals. It also generates interest in volunteer services, which benefit Indiana’s natural flora and fauna. Kosciusko County’s program is just one of many found around the state.

“The IMN program is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and develop new friendships with others who enjoy nature,” said program coordinator, Amanda Heltzel.

Local conservation organizations, like park departments, the Purdue Cooperative Extension and the Kosciusko Soil and Water Conservation District, host the program.

In the program, members take eight classes on natural resources that take them around the county.

Participants study subjects, such as birds, wildflowers, lakes and streams, wildlife habitats, soils and astronomy, in the field.

Members of the program develop an “appreciation of Indiana’s plants, soils and wildlife,” said Heltzel.

Classes consist of lectures and hands-on experience, teaching skills, such as plant and wildlife identification, using field guides and more.

Dr. Nate Bosch, right, from the Lilly Center describes how scientists collect lake measurements. From left are Andrea Keller, Doug Brown, Jodi Brown, and Bosch. Photo provided by Kosciusko County Indiana Master Naturalists.

Those within the program are also connected to local conservation efforts, which can involve activities, like native seed collection and invasive species management.

The last activity is a favorite of program graduate, Carrie Owsley, who enjoys the opportunity to spend time in the wilderness and improve habitats.

Owsley, who took the classes out of an interest in conservation and nature, found each session fun and insightful.

“Each location was unique and wonderful in its own right,” she said.

The moment Owsley “knew (she) was hooked,” was during a bird-watching hike, led by Indiana Tech Associate Professor of Biology Suzanne Beyeler.

“She blew my mind with her ability to recognize birds by their sound,” Owsley recalled. Beyeler would hear a bird, then let the class cooperate to find it. The experience gave participants the tools to make future discoveries and left Owsley with a sense of excitement for future lessons.

Along with class sessions, Owsley participated in volunteer activities, such as rafting with middle school students, working a booth at the Northern Indiana Lakes Festival and sorting trees for the SWCD annual tree sale.

Those who complete 24 hours of volunteer service receive Indiana Master Naturalist Certification, while 30 hours of annual volunteer service gives members advanced certification.

Some of the programs members can volunteer with include habitat restoration programs, water surveys and serving on boards for natural resource organizations.

Kosciusko’s own program was co-founded by an IMN graduate, Pardee Gunter.

“I was one of four residents in Kosciusko County to graduate from other counties’ IMN programs. This group all found the classes in the IMN program so interesting and informative that we wanted to share it with Kosciusko County,” said Gunter.

Gunter and the other graduates helped start the Kosciusko County Program in 2016, which he continues to serve on as an advisory council member.

Graduates of the program gain an “understanding of Hoosier natural resources and build connections with natural resources professionals and organizations,” explained Heltzel.

They also receive a certificate of completion, IMN pin and a one-year subscription to the Indiana Master Naturalist newsletter.

“Being an IMN doesn’t mean you have all the answers,” said Owsley, “but it does enable you to have a pretty good chance of finding them.”

While this year’s program is full, enrollment opens each January. Tickets can be purchased online at $175 a person, or $250 for two people in the same household. IMN also offers classes for teens age 13 to 17 and children ages 9 to 12.

A schedule for upcoming classes can be viewed at the Indiana Master Naturist Program’s website.

For more information, contact Heltzel at [email protected] or call her at (574) 267-7445.

Indiana Master Naturalists spot a bald eagle during a wetland tour. Shown are Frank Sapper, left, and Brandy Cody. Photo provided by Kosciusko County Indiana Master Naturalists.