News Release

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

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 such as birds, wildflowers, soils, geology, water, wetlands, trees, mammals, habitats and astronomy.

Classes meet once a month March through October and will be followed by an assessment and potluck dinner in November to celebrate the completion of the program.

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 coursework and 24 hours of approved volunteer work will achieve Indiana Master Naturalist certification.

Classes are scheduled Thursday evenings on March 9, April 13, May 4, June 8, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14, Oct. 12 and Nov. 2. Most sessions will require moderate walking. For accommodation requests, 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. The cost covers books for topics discussed throughout the program.

The class is limited to 18 participants and is filling up quickly. Kosciusko County SWCD will accept applications up until the first class session or until the class is filled.

For more information about the Indiana Master Naturalist program or how to apply, contact the office at (574) 267-7445, ext. 3, or email Amanda at [email protected].