Got Nature? Blog

Attention teachers! If you’re interested in bringing real-world natural resources learning into their classrooms, you now have the opportunity to apply for the 2026 Indiana Natural Resources Teacher Institute (NRTI). Registration is officially open and applications are due March 31, 2026. The NRTI is a week-long, immersive professional development workshop designed to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively teach forest ecology, forest management, and natural resource science. Cohosted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Purdue University Forestry and Natural Resources Extension, the institute blends classroom-ready training with hands-on field experiences.

The 2026 institute will take place June 15–19, beginning at 1 p.m. on Monday and concluding at noon on Friday. Participants will stay at the Forestry Training Center at Morgan-Monroe State Forest near Martinsville, where meals and lodging are provided.

Throughout the week, educators will:

• Tour public and private forest lands, forest industry facilities, and forestry research sites
• Learn from natural resource professionals, researchers, and industry leaders
• Explore how sustainable forestry supports Indiana’s environment, economy, and quality of life
• Develop a curriculum project to implement with their students

There is no cost to attend. Accepted applicants (up to 18 educators) pay a refundable $50 deposit, returned at the end of the program.

To explore program details, visit the Indiana Natural Resources Teacher Institute webpage.

Resources:
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Facebook Page
Project Learning Tree
Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry
The Nature of Teaching, Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources
The Nature of Teaching: Trees of the Midwest, The Education Store
The Nature of Teaching: Adaptations for Aquatic Amphibians, The Education Store
Trees of the Midwest Webinar, Nature of Teaching YouTube channel
Indiana Forestry Educational Foundation, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
Forest/Timber, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Natural Resources Teacher Institute Takes Forestry to the Classroom, Purdue FNR News
Purdue Extension

Diana Evans, Extension & Web Communications Specialist
Purdue University Department of Forestry and Natural Resources