Florida Master Naturalist Program

Have you wondered what it’s like to take a course with the Florida Master Naturalist Program? It’s not just about classroom learning—our core courses offer a deep dive into Florida’s diverse ecosystems through hands-on experiences, field trips, and student-led projects.

A recent Coastal Systems graduate, Melody Becker, created an inspiring video for her final project. The video explores the Dubois Lagoon, showcasing green sea turtles, spotted eagle rays and manatees while highlighting the impacts of urbanization and recreational boating on this delicate ecosystem.

Watch Melody’s video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCSIGFDqoKE

If you’re passionate about Florida’s natural world, our courses offer a unique opportunity to learn and make a lasting impact. Check out our open courses and register today: https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/

FMNP Interpretation Project - A Favorite Place Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Dubois Lagoon, a serene haven where nature thrives. This environmental interpretation video takes you on a jou...

After successfully leading her ducklings through a semester of quack-tastic science lessons, Mrs. Mallard decided to expand her horizons with the Florida Master Naturalist Program! 🦆

Like Mrs. Mallard, many of our educators have found our courses to be a fantastic way to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) while diving deeper into the wonders of the natural world. Here’s what some of them had to say:

"Truly, above and beyond a course of instruction! Each instructor gave of themselves: their exceptional knowledge of identification, enthusiasm in learning, appreciation of nature, passion and compassion, gentle and positive replies, and most importantly, how we can correct human impact through understanding," one educator shared.

Another said, "All of the courses are of great value to me in my daily life and occupation. I am grateful for these being offered to our community. What we learn in our county I often have opportunities to share and teach to others, which benefits all."

Did you know we also offer scholarships for teachers? If you know an educator who would be interested in our courses, tag them below or share this post!

Learn more about our scholarships here: https://masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/become-a-master-naturalist/scholarships/



Photo Credit: Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Join Cassidy Dossin from August 16th-18th for our Environmental Interpretation course. Spaces are still available- secure your spot today!

For more details, click here: https://www.facebook.com/share/vwtFzDiyFRk3nfsh/

Meet Dr. Katherine Clements, an Ecology and Natural Resources Educator with UF IFAS Extension Sarasota County. Dr. Clements is a passionate advocate for the environment, making a significant impact on Sarasota County's natural landscape and its inhabitants.

As a lead instructor for the Florida Master Naturalist Program, Dr. Clements develops educational programs that teach residents about local ecosystems, conservation practices, and sustainable living. She provides community presentations on local wildlife and plant species, sharing her extensive knowledge to foster appreciation for the natural world.

Learn more about Dr. Clements and her impactful work:
🔗 https://www.scgov.net/government/communications/employee-highlights

Our Marine Habitat Restoration class recently traveled to the beautiful Florida Keys with Lead FMNP Instructors Chad Truxall and Trey Hannah for an incredible hands-on learning experience! Over two days, participants snorkeled and explored coral and sponge restoration efforts with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium and FWC’s South Florida Regional Lab. They observed coral restoration, participated in sponge restoration and learned about the crucial roles these habitats play in our ecosystem. Dive into the full story to see more highlights from this amazing trip!
🌊🐠

🔗 https://marinediscoverycenter.org/fmnp-marine-habitat-restoration/

Join Karen Rose from July 18th to August 8th for the Habitat Evaluation Course. Participate in live online sessions, self-guided field trips, and hands-on activities. For course details, click here: https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/E24-02online.php

Happy May! We have three awesome courses with registration still open this month. Spots are limited, sign up now! Check out the links to each class and how to register with our Events tab or by following this link: https://bit.ly/FMNPevents

If you don't see a class you're looking for, keep your eyes open for June and July courses being posted soon.

Highlighting one of our May courses to celebrate the first day of the month!

Clay County, check it out!

Just one of the many cool trips our students take! Thanks for hosting and sharing this picture. Sign up for April and May classes now!

On Saturday, we were pleased to host graduates from the Florida Master Naturalist Program for a tour of our Coconut Point lab.

This event introduced HSWRI's more than 60 years of marine research and conservation, with an emphasis on Florida marine mammal research and stranding response. We also showcased our ongoing collaborative efforts to accelerate restoration of critical Indian River Lagoon habitats. We were joined by Amber Santos from the Brevard Zoo who shared insights into the seagrass nursery the zoo is developing at our Coconut Point lab with support from the One Lagoon - Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program.

We thank everyone for the visit and look forward to sharing updates on our growing efforts to support marine conservation through research, education, and partnership.

A big shoutout to anyone who has participated in our newest course, Freshwater Restoration! If you missed this one and are interested in learning more about protecting freshwater systems, there are still spaces available for our June class in Pinellas County: https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/FR24-03inperson.php

What a great picture! Congratulations to this new group of Coastal Naturalists! 🌊🌊

Congratulations to the newest graduates of our Florida Master Naturalist Program Coastal Systems Course!

We are excited to announce that our Program Coordinator, Caitlin Robison, is presenting at this year's League of Environmental Educators in Florida - LEEF Spring conference!

The presentation will describe the program's structure, pedagogy, and reach since its inception in 2001. We will also discuss how to get involved with FMNP courses as either a participant or as part of our instructor network. The FMNP is an adult education program through the University of Florida IFAS Extension and provided by participating organizations in over 30 counties across the state.

To learn more about opportunities to get involved as an Instructor or Participant in the FMNP, visit our website: MasterNaturalist.org.

Thanks for sharing! Course field trips like these are invaluable for student learning.

Thank you for hosting our Freshwater Systems course led by Kevin Doyle's team in Lee County!

If you are interested in these field trips, check out our new courses posted on our events page.
https://bit.ly/3SRMhgp

Last week, Carrie Stevenson and her team at UF/IFAS Escambia Extension celebrated graduation with this smiling group of Upland Systems naturalists! 🥳🦋🌱

Another great Coastal Systems class from our team at Marine Discovery Center! Big thanks to Chad and everyone at MDC ☺️🐬🌊

Congratulations to the graduates of our Florida Master Naturalist Program’s fall 2023 Coastal Systems class!

As the first day of Fall approaches us this weekend, the FMNP is excited to share our current list of course agendas that have been submitted by our Instructors for the coming months!

As you might have noticed, we are creating events for each of these classes on our page. Check out our Events page to view all Coastal and Freshwater Systems class details, and keep an eye out for all other classes to be posted as events by the end of this week.

OR! Visit this website: https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/index.html to view ALL course offerings and register today!

Become A Water Steward!

UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County is excited to announce the 6th offering of their Florida Waters Stewardship Program. This course takes a deep dive to explore water resources at the state and local level from watershed basics to future water supplies. Learn along with a cohort of water enthusiasts, experience water resources through hands-on field tours, guest speakers and more.

To learn more and register, please visit: https://fwsp2023.eventbrite.com

Legless lizards... what!? Did you know that Florida is home to five different species of legless lizards? We have four species of glass lizards (genus Ophisaurus), and one worm lizard (Rhineura floridana), which can be differentiated from snakes by their stiffer movements, external ear openings, movable eyelids, and fixed jaws.

In this photo, educator Dr. Katherine Clements is holding a glass lizard found during today's EcoWalk at Sleeping Turtles Preserve North.

Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/236989 to find an EcoWalk for your interests and schedule. And, learn more about Florida's Wildlife at http://tiny.cc/ufsaraext_flawildlife.

Sarasota County GovernmentUniversity of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Florida Master Naturalist Program

Have you heard of the "No Mow" movement? Initiatives like this one are increasing support of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Learn about how to change your lawn from resource-intensive to a more healthy, pollinator-friendly area.

Access the Washing post article here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/2023/04/22/long-grass-helps-bees/

The ‘no mow’ movement could transform our lawns “No mow” initiatives are becoming a popular springtime effort to help support bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

This pretty nature scene looks as if it could be a framed piece of art on your living room wall. 🖼️

Or you could head to Lake Louisa State Park on a fun and see it for yourself! 👀

Lake Louisa is a natural art gallery showcasing Florida’s one-of-a-kind landscapes, colorful wetland plants and diversity of wildlife. Watch for the daily live show featuring the park’s deer, gopher tortoises, eagles and osprey. 🦌🐢🦅

Get another vantage point for admiring the scenery by hopping on your bike. Explore seven miles of paved roads over rolling hills and 20 miles of unpaved multiuse trails. 🚴

Plan your visit to Lake Louisa soon! It’s your connection to the natural artistry of !

***
📍: Lake Louisa State Park
📷IG: Gittinsj
🌐: https://bit.ly/44kbML2

We've recently revised and updated the curriculum for our Coastal Systems course! Check out Dr. Martin Main's (FMNP founder and leader) recent blog post to learn more.

https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/wecdept/2023/04/27/florida-master-naturalist-program-new-revised-coastal-systems-course/

Are you interested in Florida’s amazing coastal environments and the diverse array of species that live there? Are you interested in learning about corals and the Florida Reef Tract that stretches approximately 350 miles along Florida’s Atlantic coast?

If you enjoy learning and interacting with like-minded folks, participating in a Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) course may be something you should consider!

The FMNP recently released a revised and updated curriculum for its Coastal Systems course. Originally crafted in 2002 and revised and updated in 2013 and again in 2023, Coastal Systems provides the opportunity to learn about the ecology of Florida’s nearshore ocean environments, estuaries, and coastal uplands; the plants and animals that live there; and the conservation issues they face.

Learn more here: http://ow.ly/WH7Y50O6hqa

Flyer for the City Nature Challenge for Alachua County! Don't forget to join the fun THIS WEEKEND.

Alachua County and hundreds of other cities around the world are having a friendly competition to see who can make the most observations of plants and animals in their community.

To join Alachua county, download the free iNaturalist app today and capture the most photos of wildlife right from your backyard or neighborhood during the challenge dates.

See the flyer attached for more info!

We are SO excited about the City Nature Challenge (CNC) 2023 happening in Volusia County from April 28th to May 1st!

From April 28, 2023 - May 1, 2023, join over 400 global
cities for the City Nature Challenge, an annual friendly
competition to observe and record birds, plants, insects,
fungi and wildlife species.

To participate, download the iNaturalist app, join the iNaturalist project called CITY NATURE CHALLENGE 2023: VOLUSIA COUNTY, then head outside during the four-day window of
the challenge to start making observations with your smartphone or tablet.

Don’t let the word “city” fool you—observations can be made anywhere, including at your home, school or any natural area. You can share your observations of the amazing biodiversity in Volusia County using

You can find additional resources to the challenge such as How to use iNaturalist, How to Take Better Photos, Education toolkit etc. on TNC’s nature.org page: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/events/florida-orlando-metro-city-nature-challenge/

Check out The Nature Conservancy's event on their page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2001190420211964

LEARN HOW to SAVE LIVES and LIMBS in a
-Wilderness area-rural area (not near a hospital)
-disaster site or
-distant natural area

MEDIC SOLO Disaster and Wilderness Medical School is offering this great course for anyone who ventures outdoors, travels, or wants to help in case of an emergency during a disaster!

This Wilderness First Aid is being offered in the Orlando area April 15-16 and in the Tallahassee area May 20-21. See more information below and in the attached flyer. This is a great opportunity for Scout Leaders, Extension 4-H, camp programs, First Responders, Ecotour operators, this who work in remote outdoor settings and others to get this critical training at a reduced rate.

Course INFO, ONLINE REGISTRATION, other locations & dates:
http://www.solowfa.com/
A fully completed registration and payment will reserve your spot in the class. Please contact [email protected] with questions.