The Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) Program can provide you with many hands-on opportunities to learn about our Hoosier natural resources. It also provides a way for you to share that knowledge, along with your life experiences, through volunteer service to land trusts, soil and water conservation districts, state/local parks and other natural areas.
What can I expect if I attend the Indiana Master Naturalist Program? This program consists of one introductory session and 10, 3-hour sessions focusing on Indiana's natural resources. The course includes sessions on botany, zoology, geology/soils, water, people and natural resources. You must participate in 80% of course sessions to receive your certification. Instructors are generally considered experts in their field and will provide you with relevant content, hands-on learning and resource materials. Each master naturalist course series ends with an open book quiz. This is required in order to receive your certificate of completion.
How many hours do I need to volunteer? To receive your certificate of completion, you must commit a minimum of one hour of service per hour of coursework. Your service must be for a state or local park, natural resources agency or approved local community organization to help with trails, programs, gardening, resource inventory, or other projects that they might have available. A list of local agencies will be provided. You will need to check with your course sponsor for approval before starting your volunteer service.
When: Wednesdays, 5:00-8:00pm, EST // Saturdays, 9:00am to Noon, EST - Beginning September 8 through November 3.
How to Register - The St. Joseph County Parks Indiana Master Naturalist Program is limited to 15 participants 18 years or older. Fee is $175 and is due by the August 27 registration deadline. (Participants must commit to program fee, class schedule and volunteer hours.) Call Bendix Woods County Park (574) 654-3155 to register.
Please note that COVID-19 safety procedures will be in place as recommended by the St. Joseph County Health Department.