Dr. Jerry Sweeten, Head of Environmental Studies at Manchester University, discussed the reintroduction of endangered mussel species with 20 Kosciusko Indiana Master Naturalists at the recent KIMN alumni meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, May 17.

WARSAW — Twenty Indiana Master Naturalists met on Thursday, Feb. 15, in the Kosciusko Community Foundation’s meeting room in Warsaw.  The event marked the first alumni meeting of the Kosciusko chapter.

“Only beginning its third year in the county, the Kosciusko classes have graduated over 70 percent of its participants, bringing 28 certified Master Naturalists into the ranks,” commented Darci Zolman, program administrator. “We felt it would benefit the group to continue meeting together, learning and sharing ideas.”

The evening featured Dr. Jerry Sweeten, head of environmental studies at Manchester University, speaking on the reintroduction of federally endangered mussel species in the Tippecanoe and Eel rivers within Kosciusko County. His slide presentation also included information about the innovative new fish ladder recently installed adjacent to the Stockdale Mill in Wabash County.

The Kosciusko County Indiana Master Naturalists alumni group meets four times a year to gain educational hours required to retain advanced standing and socialize. All Indiana Master Naturalists are invited to attend. The events are free of charge. 

The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, in the Kosciusko Community Foundation meeting room, 102 E. Market St., Warsaw.