IMN 2024 Gathering: Drums, S’MORES, a Berm, and a Chief’s House

The 2024 Indiana Master Naturalist Gathering in Northeast Indiana was a huge success. During the morning and afternoon, the Master Naturalists gathered at L.C. Nature Park. In the evening, they migrated to Eagle Marsh, one of the preserves of Little River Wetland Projects.  
All the events and presentations were held on properties that were within the historical boundary of the Little River Valley.  At Eagle Marsh they were witness to the continued collaboration of the various shareholders of the valley. Eva Webb, the Enviromental Educator for Fox Island County Park lead the Gathering participants in a Drum Circle in the Eagle Marsh barn. This was an opportunity to socialize with peers and to learn an action technique for environmental education. The drum’s initial beat was the beat of the earth. The added beats were ecological forces that were added. It was an energetic and fun way to learn and to teach. Outside of the barn Aly Munger, the LRWP Wetland Educator had organized a S’MORES fest. The evening was ending with drums, marshmallow and chocolate, and laughter. However, there was one more event for the evening. In the marsh, on the berm Betsy Yankowiak provided a riveting presentation on the history of the marsh, the continental divide and a new complication, invasive carp. She explained why a berm had to be built after the renovation to protect the Great Lakes ecology and fishing industry. The subject matter was serious; the presentation style was engaging. As Betsy talked the sun set, the stars came out, and it was for participants to go to their hotels as they awaited on last event in the morning.   

The next morning participants headed out to Chief Richardville House. This is one of the most important structures in the area and of importance to the Myaamia. The Master Naturalists toured the house. They learned about Chief Richardville and his family the connection to the Little River Valley. Outside they learned about how the Myaamia originally lived. There were artifacts and demonstration by members of the Miami Nation of Oklahoma.  

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