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, offered each spring, covers topics including Geology, Mammalogy, Herpetology, Wildflowers, Ornithology, Mycology, and more!
Registration for the Spring 2026 IMN course will open in December 2025.
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!
Indiana Master Naturalist participants will spend 10 weeks learning about various components of the southern Indiana bioregion by engaging with videos before class and meeting in person for further education and application of the week’s topic. The classes meet each week from 6-9 PM, and upon registration, participants choose between a Monday or Tuesday evening course schedule. See below for further details on the topics covered.
PLEASE NOTE: There is a minor component of physical activity to IMN, as some of the in-person practicals involve hiking on unpaved trails with uneven terrain in the forest. Due to the nature of the trails, they may not be accessible for wheelchairs or mobility devices.
Several classes are held at off-site locations, such as Howell Wetlands and University of Southern Indiana, so some travel is required.
Certification Requirements
Participate in at least 80% of course sessions
Complete 24 hours of volunteer service related to natural resources (no deadline)
Complete an open book quiz covering course content with a score of 70% or higher
Cost
IMN Price: $150 for public or $140 for 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.
2025 Dates and Topics (6-9 PM)
Week One (3/10 & 3/11): Ecology + People & Natural Resources
Week Two (3/17 & 3/18): Water & Aquatic Macroinvertebrates
Week Three (3/24 & 3/25): Geology
Week Four (3/31 & 4/1): Arthropods
Week Five (4/7 & 4/7): Mycology
Week Six (4/14 & 4/15): Wildflowers & Herbaceous Plants
Week Seven (4/21 & 4/22): Invasive Species
Week Eight (4/28 & 4/29): Mammals + Herpetology
Week Nine (5/5 & 5/6): Ornithology
Week Ten (5/12 & 5/13): 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.
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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 benefits of becoming an Indiana Master Naturalist?
From the IMN website: “Of course, you gain new knowledge of Indiana’s plants, wildlife, geology, and geography. You meet other Hoosiers with interests similar to yours. You gain personal satisfaction from “giving back” to your local community through service.
Those individuals who complete their service hours also receive the following:
- a certificate of completion
- an Indiana Master Naturalist pin
- a one year subscription to the Indiana Master Naturalist newsletter”
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.
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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.