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 10 – 17 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Junior and Teen IMN age limits are determined by the student’s age as of April 10, 2027.
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.
2026-2027 Class Sessions
1. Forest Bathing
Forest bathing has been gaining attention because of the health benefits it provides. Learn more about where the movement started, what the benefits are, and how to practice forest bathing ourselves!
Session Experts: Stephany Hancock, Public Programs Coordinator / Environmental Educator – Merry Lea
Date: September 10
Location: Merry Lea Farmstead | 2152 S 425 W, Albion, IN 46701
2. Bird Banding
Each year Merry Lea’s Environmental Educator Carol Good-Elliott conducts bird banding research during the summer. We will hear about her work with the birds, how bird banding data is being used, and take a hike to see where this research takes place.
Session Expert: Carol Good-Elliott, Environmental Educator / Bird Banding Coordinator – Merry Lea
Date: October 8
Location: Merry Lea Learning Center | 2388 S 500 W, Albion, IN 46701
3. Indiana Trees
Traverse the world of trees with Purdue Extension’s John Woodmansee. Learn how to use a field guide for trees, explore the different parts of trees, and take a hike to test your identification skills.
Session Experts: John Woodmansee – Purdue Extension
Date: November 12
Location: Merry Lea Learning Center | 2388 S 500 W, Albion, IN 46701
4. Rock Cycle
Explore the Rock Cycle! Learn about how rocks form, how glaciers shaped our landscape, and hike on an esker (created by glaciers) at Merry Lea! We will be taking a closer look at how the esker was created and some of the rock samples found at the rock pit.
5. Ice Fishing 101
Learn about the basics of ice fishing from Casey Myers, Albion Parks Department Superintendent and avid fisherman. Safety permitting – a possible trip onto Sylvan Lake!
Session Expert: Casey Myers – Albion Parks Department Superintendent
Date: January 7
Location: Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site | 1205 Pleasant Point, Rome City, IN 46784
6. Owls of Indiana
Learn about the different species of owls that call Indiana home – whether migratory or year round residents, students will learn about them all.
Session Experts: Tiffany Parker – Gene Stratton-Porter
Date: February 11
Location: Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site | 1205 Pleasant Point, Rome City, IN 46784
7. Invasive Invaders
Students will learn about identifying invasive species in Indiana and what they can do to help control them.
Session Experts: Ann Kline, Extension Educator – Purdue Extension Noble County
Date: March 11
Location: Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site | 1205 Pleasant Point, Rome City, IN 46784
8. Frogs & Toads of Indiana
John is a retired engineer who has found a new love for the outdoors through the Indiana Master Naturalist program. His interest in amphibians and reptiles has led to him teaching students of all ages about the slimier side of Indiana wildlife.
Session Experts: John Lipasek – Retiree
Date: April 8
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.