Monroe County Government: Parks and Recreation


	Parks and Recreation

	Environmental Programs

Environmental Programs

Got a nature question?
Contact Cathy Meyer at 812-349-2800

Custom Programs
Monroe County Parks and Recreation can arrange programs, nature hikes and field trips (for your club, meeting, or classroom) on local natural and cultural resources.

There is a small charge to help cover expenses.
Programs: $15

Field Trips: $30 & $50

Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to maintain gardens and natural areas in our parks.

Workshops

Project Learning Tree, Project WET, and Project WILD workshops are offered for those interested in activities to teach children about the environment.

Wildlife Habitat Stewards Class

In this class designed by the National Wildlife Federation, students will learn the skills required to help community members certify their properties as National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitats. While becoming Habitat Stewards, students will learn how to identify plants and animals and how to landscape to provide food, water, shelter, and places to raise young for wildlife.

Sessions will be taught by experts in their field about butterflies, birds, trees, invasives, working with community, caring for wildlife, and living in harmony with wildlife. We will also have the opportunity to see some wildlife (bats and raptors) up close!

Contact Cathy Meyer, 349-2805, cmeyer@co.monroe.in.us if you would like to be notified of the next course.

Plant a Rain Garden

Rain gardens keep rain water on your property where it can help plants grow, instead of sending it down the storm sewer to flood

streams and carry pollutants into the water. Find tips about designing a rain garden at: www.co.monroe.in.us/stormwaterquality/bioretention

Then, register your rain garden at: www.co.monroe.in.us/raingarden/register

Volunteer Opportunity

Help Keep Water Clean in our Lakes and Streams!

Did you know that the grates along your streets carry rainwater directly to streams and lakes? Anything that goes on the street goes into the water. Remind your neighbors not to dump oil, paint, litter, or other waste in the gutter or down the storm drains by sticking plastic markers on the pavement. We'll supply the materials and show you how to do it.

Check out the website, www.bloomington.in.gov/utilities for more information.

Within City of Bloomington, contact Kriste Lindberg at lindberg@kiva.net or 339-7210.

Other parts of Monroe County, contact Martha Miller at Martha.miller@in.nacdnet.net or 349-2046

Thanks! The Monroe County Storm Water Environmental Education Team -- SWEET!

Indiana Master Naturalist Program

Indiana Master Naturalist is a volunteer program which trains adults about Indiana's natural resources and provides opportunities to do conservation projects. If you enjoy hiking, bird watching, following animal tracks, or identifying wildflowers, you'll love being a Master Naturalist! As a Master Naturalist, you will gain new knowledge of Indiana plants, wildlife, geology, and geography. You will also meet others with interests similar to yours! To become certified as an Indiana Master Naturalist, you will need to attend 7 of the 8 course sessions and complete volunteer service hours on local or state natural resources projects. Participants must be 18 years or older. Upon completion of the course and volunteer service, participants will receive an Indiana Master Naturalist Certificate, pin, and a 1-year subscription to the Indiana Master Naturalist newsletter - plus a wealth of new knowledge about Indiana's natural resources.

Thursdays, March 25 through May 6, 2010

6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

The Commons at Karst Farm Park

and

Saturday, May 15

1:00 pm to 4 pm

Leonard Springs Nature Park

Registration for the Indiana Master Naturalist Program is
$50 for individual, or $75 for a couple from the same household

Registration due March 22, 2010. Space is limited!

For more information on

the Indiana Master Naturalist Program

please contact: