Indiana Master Naturalist Program
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 volunteer service in local communities. 
Required Topics: Botany (2 sessions)
Geology & Soils
Miscellaneous Related Topic
People & Natural Resources
Water
Zoology (2 sessions)
In addition to attending 80% of the classes, participants wishing to obtain their Indiana Master Naturalist certification from the Indiana Department of Natural 
Resources must do one hour of volunteer work with a natural resource organization for every one hour of classroom time (i.e. 24 hours of class = 24 hours of volunteering).
Click here to find out more about the Indiana Master Naturalist Program.
Clay ~ Owen
Indiana Master Naturalist Course
Fall 2011
After having such a successful year with last year’s Master Naturalist class, I am pleased to announce that Purdue Extension in Clay and Owen Counties are offering the program again this fall. This year’s program will be held on Monday nights from 6-9 PM at the Clay Co. Extension Office in Brazil. It will run from August 22 to October 17 (no class September 5) with a variety of topic (soils, invasive plants, water quality, bees, and much more) covered by a host of different Purdue Extension Educators and invited guests.
•Class Schedule - This is the schedule of when the class will meet along with what topics will be covered that night.
•Orientation - Here you can find some of the logistical information about the 2011 class and about the Indiana Master Naturalist Program. 
•Basic Botany - The first night of class, the basic information about botany was discussed. This information is useful since we will be learning more about identifying plant life when learning about Invasive Plants.
•Geocaching - Ever wonder what geocaching is? This powerpoint presentation covers the history of geocaching, how to go geocaching, and types of GPS units.
•Geocaching Terms - Some of the terms associated with geocaching are defined in this one page handout.
•Navigational Information - This one page handout covers conversion rates for common navigational lengths.
•Natural Wonders - This powerpoint discusses some of the interesting things you will see outside in your yard or in a woods. Items include Tuliptree Scale, Dead Man's Fingers, Sulfur Shelf, and much more.
•Agricultural Advancements - Information was given on how agriculture has changed overtime. Emphasis was given on past tillage practices, there impact on the Dust Bowl, and current tillage practices. Additional information is available on current changes and trends in agriculture in the way of pesticide usage, work with the NRCS, and livestock production.
Fall 2010
Below you will find information concerning the Fall 2010 Indiana Master Naturalist Course offered in Owen Co. Updates will be made periodically when needed.
•Schedule of Classes 
•Orientation - Here you can find some of the logistical information about the 2010 class and about the Indiana Master Naturalist Program.
•Basic Botany - The first night of class, the basic information about botany was discussed. This information is useful since we will be learning more about identifying plant life during our trip to the Owen-Putnam State Forest.
•Birdhouses - A brief look at some of the more common birdhouses that you will find around Indiana. Some information is provided on what the bird looks like and what you can feed the birds throughout the winter months.
•Agricultural Advances - Information was given on how agriculture has changed overtime. Emphasis was given on past tillage practices, there impact on the Dust Bowl, and current tillage practices. Additional information is available on current changes and trends in agriculture in the way of pesticide usage, work with the NRCS, and livestock production.
•Master Naturalist Jeopardy - As part of the review for the exam, participants tested their knowledge by playing a nice round of Master Naturalist Jeopardy.