Hendricks County residents interested in the Hoosier state’s natural resources and sharing their knowledge with others now have a chance to become a certified Indiana Master Naturalist.
Participants will gain knowledge through 10 three-hour sessions about Indiana’s plants, wildlife, geology, and geography while meeting with other Hoosiers sharing similar interests.
The two-month program that meets weekly beginning Sept. 16 will provide a hands-on opportunity to learn about Hoosier natural resources that participants can share through volunteer service with other natural resource and conservation agencies.
Sponsored by Waste Management and the Danville Department of Parks and Recreation, the program brings together natural resource specialists with adult students to foster a greater understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and to promote volunteer service.
The Indiana Master Naturalist program offers an introduction to Hoosier natural resources through the perspective and expertise of Indiana resource professionals, an educational opportunity to persons 18 and older, and a way for course participants to establish partnerships with natural resource organizations involved in resource management.
Course topics include geology and soils; watersheds and water quality; trees and forestry; wildflowers; birds and rehabilitation; mammals, amphibians and reptiles; conservation and restoration; and survival and orienteering.
Participants can receive an Indiana Master Naturalist certificate by participating in 80 percent of the sessions, completing volunteer service with a local or state natural resources organization, and finishing an open book quiz covering course content. Completing the program also will entitle them to an Indiana Master Naturalist pin and a one-year subscription to the Indiana Master Naturalist newsletter.
Workshops will be at the Twin Bridges Lodge on County Road 150 East. Sessions are 6 to 9 p.m. each Thursday, from Sept. 16 to Nov. 18.
Cost of the program is $30, which covers the cost of the course, classroom materials, and program administration. Class size is limited to 20 students and is on a first-come, first-served basis by date of payment. Registration fees are non-refundable unless the program is canceled.
To register, students may send their name, address, county of residence, phone number, and e-mail address, along with a $30 check made payable to Twin Bridges RDF, Attn: Carole Smith, P.O. Box 9, Danville, IN 46122.
For more information, call 718-6865 or visit the IMN website at http://www.in.gov/dnr/masternaturalist.
The Indiana Master Naturalist program is governed by an advisory council with participation from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, Resource Conservation and Development Councils, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, City and/or County Park Departments, and Indiana Master Naturalist Alumni. The advisory council approves workshops offered, establishes program policies, and generally oversees the program statewide.
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