Indiana Master Naturalist 2024 Gathering: Elk, and Bison, and Bats at LC Nature Park

The 2024 Indiana Master Naturalist Gathering was held in Northeast Indiana. The first full day of activities was held at L.C. Nature Park during the day and at Eagle Marsh in the evening.  
The presentations were held in the LC Nature Park Education Center. This is a charming restored old barn. We first heard from the Indiana Master Naturalist State Coordinator, Jody Heaston . She gave an overview of the program and then introduced Chuck Harvot, President of the IMN Council, Russ Voorhees chair of the Northeast Indiana Planning Committee, and John Brooks, founder of L.C. Nature Park.
 
 After he introductions and after the presentation on Historical Interpretation Kelly Borgmann, executive director of L.C. Nature Park took particpants on a guided hike of the grounds. The elk included woodlands, wetlands, and dune. She introduced us to the elk her and the bison herd. The connected the herds and the land restoration to the history of the Little River Valley. 
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After we returned to the Education Center Dr. Scott Bergeson from Purdue University Fort Wayne presented on Bats of Indiana. This was proving to be a full and rewarding day.

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