INDIANA MASTER NATURALIST

Introductory Programs of Nature Discovery and Service-Learning for Adults (18+)

about indiana master naturalist

The mission of the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) 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.

This 10-week program covers topics including Geology, Mammalogy, Herpetology, Wildflowers, Ornithology, Mycology, and more!

Participants will choose between a Monday evening or Tuesday evening weekly course schedule. At Wesselman Woods, we use a hybrid virtual/in-person system for our IMN courses. Those who wish to complete their certification must take a required exam, complete 24 hours of volunteer service, and may miss up to two classes.

For questions regarding IMN, please email either Derek Walsh at derek@wesselmanwoods.org or Annie Svendsen at annie@wesselmanwoods.org.

A nighttime reptile and amphibian search with UE’s Dr. Gordon

UE’s Dr. Hochwender gives a lesson in the outdoor classroom at WW

Learning about macroinvertebrates at Howell Wetlands

Become a certified local steward with us at Wesselman Woods!

At WW, we use a hybrid virtual/in-person system for our courses. Each session includes pre-recorded videos, which will be available to participants before our weekly meetings through an online lesson portal, and in-person practical at varying locations. Please see below for further details on the sessions offered. Following completion of the course, those wishing to become a certified Indiana Master Naturalist must pass the exam and complete 24 hours of volunteer service related to natural resources. Participants may miss up to two classes without affecting their eligibility for certification.

Cost

IMN Price: $140 for members/$150 for non-members

Additional Environmental Studies Courses: Each session is $15 for members and IMN Alumni and $20 for public. Find out more on our Environmental Studies page.

** WESSELMAN WOODS MEMBERS RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT **
Please email info@wesselmanwoods.org for the discount code.

IMN Monday Courses (6-9 PM)

  • 3/10/2025 - Ecology + People & Natural Resources

  • 3/17/2025 - Water & Aquatic Macroinvertebrates

  • 3/24/2025 - Geology

  • 3/31/2025 - Arthropods

  • 4/7/2025 - Mycology

  • 4/14/2025 - Wildflowers + Herbaceous Plants

  • 4/21/2025 - Invasive Species

  • 4/28/2025 - Mammals + Herpetology

  • 5/5/2025 - Ornithology

  • 5/12/2025 - Trees

IMN Tuesday Courses (6-9 PM)

  • 3/11/2025 - Ecology + People & Natural Resources

  • 3/18/2025 - Water & Aquatic Macroinvertebrates

  • 3/25/2025 - Geology

  • 4/1/2025 - Arthropods

  • 4/8/2025 - Mycology

  • 4/15/2025 - Wildflowers + Herbaceous Plants

  • 4/22/2025 - Invasive Species

  • 4/29/2025 - Mammals + Herpetology

  • 5/6/2024 - Ornithology

  • 5/13/2025 - Trees

meet the presenters

Wesselman Woods partners with local experts for each of the Master Naturalist courses. Support from these local researchers, professors, and environmental practitioners is what makes the Indiana Master Naturalist possible!

Take a look at our presenter guide to learn more about who will be teaching the IMN courses this year.

    • What is the level of difficulty of the IMN course?

      • The IMN course is designed for anyone age 18 and up of any ability and background. Each class offers introductory dive into the respective topic. No former science/natural resources training is required for this course. The IMN curriculum guide states that this course is open to any adult, but in general, course participants are Hoosiers with a genuine love for the out-of-doors, but limited formal science/natural resources training. Participants take the course to expand their knowledge of plants, wildlife, soils, and other natural resources in Indiana.

    • What does the hybrid virtual/in-person system entail?

      • This system entails both pre-recorded lectures and an in-person field or lab experience. This hybrid system was adopted to maximize time spent out in the field getting hands-on experience in each topic. Each week, participants will be asked to watch a selection of pre-recorded lectures in preparation for the in-person session. We strongly recommend that you watch the videos ahead of time, as they contain useful information to prepare you for the in-person class.

    • What are the requirements of the IMN certification process?

      • To become IMN certified, you must attend at least 80% of the classes, score at least a 70% on the exam, and complete 24 volunteer hours for natural-resources-related projects.

    • How many classes am I allowed to miss if I still want to become IMN certified?

      • You are allowed to miss a maximum of two (2) in-person classes if you wish to become a certified Indiana Master Naturalist.

    • What age must I be to participate in IMN?

      • IMN participants must be at least 18 years old.

    • Can I participate in Indiana Master Naturalist if I live out of state?

      • There are no location restrictions for participating in the Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program. However, if you aim to earn your certification, which requires 24 volunteer hours, at least 12 of those hours must be completed within the state of Indiana.

  • Advanced Indiana Master Naturalist (AIMN) is a yearly certification for IMN participants. At Wesselman Woods (WW) we offer additional adult education courses throughout the year that can go toward the continuing education requirements. These requirements include volunteering 30 hours annually and completing eight hours of education time annually. Please see additional environmental studies above for further details on upcoming sessions.