The decision often comes down to the nominations the Council gets from students who have taken the class and had a wonderful experience.
The IMN New Host of the Year for outstanding work of hosting a new Indiana Master Naturalist program is given to sites who have hosted under two years. The 2018 New Host of the Year was given to Kelley Morgan at Mounds State Park in Anderson, IN (Photo right) and to the cosponsor Friends of Mounds State Park (Photo bottom right of past president Al Simpson getting plaque presented by Jody Heaston, IMN Coordinator). 2018 was Kelley’s first year to host and organize the program. She did such a great job at her spring class that there was high demand for a second class. She delivered by hosting another one in the fall of 2018. Again all in her first year. Her nomination is as follows:
My name is Kimberly and my husband, Jim and I attended the 2018 course.
We would like to nominate Kelley Morgan and the staff at Mounds State Park. The IMN course held there was not only informative; but immersive, well rounded, interactive and enjoyable.
Kelley is not only knowledgeable on so many subjects and areas, she is also creative and skilled in presenting information across a wide range of ages, abilities and interests. The staff that assisted were very friendly and helpful at classes and pitched in to help her with the activities and students as needed.
We were in the first class held at this location and under her instruction. This was not obvious other than being stated in an effort to continue building the course and information.
We are very pleased with our experience and choice in taking the course at this location. We have both continued volunteering at Mounds and are looking forward to continuing work with the IMN courses, Mounds, and the State of Indiana. We are both happy to provide any additional information or feedback needed. It is nice to see that the hard work of the individuals working across our state is being recognized. Thank you!
Respectfully, James and Kimberly Moore
The IMN Host of the Year is for outstanding work of hosting an Indiana Master Naturalist program and given to sites that have hosted three or more years. The 2018 Host of the Year was awarded to Pam George and Jeff Ormiston from the Allen County IMN class. (Photos below, plaque presented by Chuck Harvuot, IMN Council President and Jody Heaston, IMN Coordinator) The award was also given to Allen County Parks and Recreation and Fox Island Alliance.
The nominations are as follows:
I’d like to nominate Pam George from the IMN Allen County Parks—Fox Island and Metea Park.
Although I’ve only known Pam for three short years, I see her unwavering dedication to the IMN program in Northeast Indiana.
Pam has taught hundreds of IMN students. She consistently teaches with enthusiasm and is always prepared. She is professional and very good at managing and communicating the IMN needs for our community. She creates lasting relationships with instructors and community members. She continues to analyze the progress of our IMN program and ensures its integrity is of the highest standards.
Lastly, Pam represents true Hoosier Hospitality by welcoming and being respectful to all who attend her classes with a warm smile and open heart.
Pam George, Fox Island and Metea Parks, is my vote for IMN Host of the Year! Nominated by Terri Habig
Second nomination
Please consider Pam George, Jeff Ormiston, Allen County Parks and Rec and Fox Island Alliance for IMN Host of the Year. This site has been hosting since 2005 and hosted the IMN Statewide Gathering in 2011. The program was started by Kate Ferguson, past president of the Fox Island Alliance and a big supporter of the IMN program. She was known for running a tight ship. She expected a lot out of her students. She would line up high quality speakers from local colleges and agencies. She would encourage all student to volunteer at three different organizations before turning in their volunteer hours. Because Kate took the class seriously, students were beyond proud of earning an IMN certification.
The program always has a waiting list and is full every year. When Kate had to step down due to health issues, two IMNs and Alliance members jumped right in to continue the program. The program has brought many volunteers to Allen County Parks and local State parks, and members to Fox Island Alliance. With all these IMNs in the area, an Alumni group has formed too. Indiana Master Naturalist program is considered a high quality program in the Fort Wayne area thanks to the hard work of the Fox Island Alliance members.
Nominated by Jody Heaston
2019 IMN Host of the Year Nominations needed
Each year the IMN Council awards an outstanding IMN Host/Site. Did you have an awesome IMN host? Was the IMN class you took great? Let us know. Please email your nomination with subject “2019 IMN Host of the Year nomination” to jheaston@dnr.IN.gov by March 1. Include the Host name and site where IMN classes were held, why you believe this person(s) deserves the award, and how they are great ambassadors for the IMN program. IMN Hosts- you are able to nominate yourself too.