Junior/Teen Indiana Master Naturalist
Nature Discovery & Service Learning Programs for Youth
The mission of the Junior and Teen Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program is to bring together natural resource specialists with young people, ages 9 to 17 years, to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils and wildlife, and promote volunteer service in local communities.
Merry Lea hosts two Junior & Teen IMN program series in collaboration with Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site.
These programs feature various nature topics for local youth to discover Indiana’s outdoor world through hands-on activities, outdoor investigations, volunteering, and learning from local experts across different career paths, interests and organizations.
IMN Program Details
Ages & Times
Junior & Teen IMN: ages 9 – 17 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Junior and Teen IMN age limits are determined by the student’s age as of April 10, 2026.
Registration
Cost: $125/child for all 8 sessions
This covers books, snacks, patches for completion awards, administrative fees and various program supplies. Fee is due in full upon registration and is non-refundable.
Sign-ups: Students must register for the entire series (all 8 sessions), not individual programs.
Student Expectations to Receive Certification
- Participate in at least 6 out of 8 course sessions
- Complete volunteer service with a local or state natural resources organization
- Junior IMN: 6 hours
- Teen IMN: 12 hours
- Complete a pre- and post-survey during the first and last course sessions
Expectations for Participation & Conduct
We expect all students to demonstrate respect for fellow students and teachers at Merry Lea.
Outdoor education involves exposure to some natural hazards like trips and falls, insect bites and stings and irritating plants. Merry Lea educators try to minimize these risks. It is imperative that students listen to directions in order to maintain safety out on the trails and inside the facilities.
Cancellation Policy
Reservations for Merry Lea’s programs can fill quickly, and quality experiences require the help of staff and advance preparation. A last minute cancellation is disruptive and may prevent a waitlisted participant from coming. Due to the nature of the IMN program the program fee is due in full upon registration and is non-refundable.
2025-2026 Class Sessions
1. Butterflies & Moths
Enter the amazing world of butterflies, skippers, and moths with restoration ecologist John Brittenham. This session will focus on all things Lepidoptera (the second largest order of insects, which is composed of butterflies, skippers, and moths). Together we will explore the similarities and differences between butterflies, skippers and moths; their role in the environment; the current health of Lepidoptera populations; and how we can help these remarkable insects.
Session Experts: John Brittenham, Restoration Ecologist – Blue Heron Ministries
Date: September 11
Location: Merry Lea – Learning Center | 2388 S 500 W, Albion, IN 46701
2. Crane Biology
We will explore the history and decision-making process behind the Whooping Crane reintroduction program, including how Whooping Cranes became endangered, the circumstances around their endangerment that made management options unique, and how wildlife managers came to the decisions they made. After some time for questions and a short break we will dive into a day in the life of a field biologist and students will participate in an activity and learn about field biology techniques like crane counting and bird identification. We will also explore recording observations of leg bands and using radiotelemetry equipment.
Session Expert: Sam Urquidez, Outreach Biologist Assistant – State of Indiana
Date: October 9
Location: Merry Lea Farmstead | 2152 S 425 W, Albion, IN 46701
3. Environmental Marketing
Learn how to use marketing and communication techniques to inspire others about nature, sustainability, and the environment! In this hands-on session, you’ll explore how we use photos, stories, and social media at Merry Lea to share the wonders of the natural world. Then, create your own mini campaign about your favorite plant or animal found right here at Merry Lea — using basic research and tips for finding credible sources.
Session Experts: Kayla Beasley, Merry Lea
Date: November 13
Location: Merry Lea – Learning Center | 2388 S 500 W, Albion, IN 46701
4. Interpretation
How is interpretation important to presenting programs and information? See a variety of examples of interpretation styles demonstrated through mini programs. From trees to butterflies to recycling to spiders, the programs will come to life in fun and creative ways.
5. Seeds
Details TBA
Session Expert: Rachel Moorman-Minton, Regional programmer
Date: January 8
Location: Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site | 1205 Pleasant Point, Rome City, IN 46784
6. Water Cycle
Details TBA
Session Experts: Carly Cornhill, Interpretive Naturalist – Chain O’ Lakes State Park
Date: February 12
Location: Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site | 1205 Pleasant Point, Rome City, IN 46784
7. Soils
Details TBA
Session Experts: Ann Kline, Extension Educator – Purdue Extension Noble County
Date: March 12
Location: Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site | 1205 Pleasant Point, Rome City, IN 46784
8. Fantastic Fungi & Likeable Lichens
Learn what fungi are, why they matter, and explore them creatively and scientifically. We will discuss the anatomy of mushrooms, as well as the variety. There are more than 5k species in Indiana alone! We will also explore lichen and how this pairing of fungus and algae live together, where neither could live alone.
Session Experts: Foy Spicer & Gonzalo Barahona Hernández, Merry Lea
Date: April 9
Location: Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site | 1205 Pleasant Point, Rome City, IN 46784
All offerings are aligned to Indiana Academic Standards, and are designed to support your student’s academic and outdoor learning. Please be sure to review our policies regarding scheduling, cancellation and program logistics on the registration page.