Indiana Master Naturalist Program - Fort Harrison State Park
Information
The Indiana Master Naturalist Program is an educational/volunteer program developed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Purdue Extension Service to provide citizens with hands-on opportunities to learn about Indiana’s natural features and resources. The purpose of the program is to:
Bring together natural resource specialists with adult learners (18 years and older) to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, wildlife, forests and wetlands, and to promote volunteer service in local communities.
Provide an educational opportunity for course participants to volunteer with a local agency or organization involved in natural resource management.
Important Notes:
- All students are required to attend the first session on April 19th for orientation.
- Students must attend at least 7 of 9 sessions, complete 24 hours of volunteer service with a local or state natural resources organization and complete an open book final exam in order to receive certification and pin.
- All class sessions will meet at the Visitor Center at Fort Harrison State Park, mapping address 6000 N Post Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46216.
- There is a gate fee associated with entering the park that is not included in the class fee. We cannot guarantee when a gate attendant will be on duty to collect the fee, so it is the student’s responsibility to purchase a daily entrance pass or purchase an annual pass that will be valid for 2024 at all state parks.
- Registration fee is due by March 18th, 2024.
Class Schedule:
Some class sessions will have an outdoor section that will require walking on trails and in the creek. If you have any physical limitations, an alternative to that class session will be provided to you.
April 19th, 2024, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Indiana State Parks History and Interpretation
Instructor: Emilie Sweet, INDNR
April 26th, 2024, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Indiana Geology
Instructor: Dr. Rachel Walker
May 3rd, 2024, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Forest History and Ecology with Tree ID
Instructor: Lexi Eiler, INDNR
May 10th, 2024, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Herbaceous Plants and Ecology
Instructor: Wyatt Williams, INDNR
May 24th, 2024, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Birds
Instructor: Don Gorney
May 31st, 2024, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Water Quality and Macroinvertebrates
Instructor: Dylan Allison, IDEM
June 7th, 2024, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Herptiles
Instructor: Jessica Filer, INDNR
June 14th, 2024, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
International Crane Foundation: Sandhill and Whooping Crane Ecology, Biology and Conservation
Instructor: Lauren Benedict, International Crane Foundation
June 21st, 2024, 12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Final Exam