Kosciusko Master Naturalist Program Registration Open
Posted
Staff Report-
Kosciusko’s Master Naturalist Program is taking applications for its 2022 class.
Sponsored by the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), the program will introduce participants to several natural resource topics, while showcasing various local natural areas, according to a news release from SWCD.
The classes will meet approximately once a month, March through October, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., except for the early October class, which will meet 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. to take advantage of dark sky conditions. Except for the first and last classes, sessions will take place outdoors. There will be light hiking at each of the outdoor sessions.
Scheduled topics will include birds, wildflowers, soil and geology, aquatics, forestry, mammals and habitats, astronomy and environmentalists through history. Registration is $170 per person. If a couple is willing to share resources, they can register at a discounted rate of $250 per couple. Participants will receive a resource, such as a field guide, at each class.
The local Master Naturalist Committee has worked to develop a program that is safe, educational and will allow participants to complete all sessions and begin their quest to become certified Master Naturalists, according to the release. Most sessions have been moved outdoors to immerse the participants in a setting related to the session topic, while allowing for social distancing. COVID recommendations at the time of each class will be followed.
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 mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist program is to bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils and wildlife and promote natural resource volunteer service within the State of Indiana.
For more information about this program, contact Darci Zolman at darci.zolman@in.nacdnet.net, or 574-267-7445, ext. 5374, at the SWCD office.
