During the year, we offer several of the Florida Master Naturalist Program modules, which prepares participants to share their knowledge with others. FMNP is an adult education UF/IFAS Extension program developed by the University of Florida and provided by many Extension offices and participating organizations (like Mote Marine Laboratory) throughout the state of Florida.
Instruction/requirements: Training consists of 40 or 24 contact hours depending on the module. Students need only bring their enthusiasm, meet attendance requirements and complete assigned activities. These courses are a combination of classroom presentations, educational videos, supplemental assignments, field experiences and a final project.
- Coastal Systems, March 24–May 19, 2023. Register here: conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/cs23-06inperson.html
- This is an in-person class. Meetings will take place on Mote's Sarasota campus on Fridays, from 9:30am to 3:00pm from March 24–May 18, 2023. Field experiences will take place at Mote Aquarium, Lido Key, Robinson Preserve, The Bay, and Longboat Key (Quickpoint). Full agenda available here.
- $250 Attendee Fee – Includes electronic file (PDF) of manual
$300 Attendee Fee with Color Manual – Includes the PDF and a printed bound copy - Mote will also offer a Freshwater Systems module from July–August, 2023. Agenda and registration will be posted in May, 2023.
FMNP Instructors
Jason Robertshaw
endlessoceans@mote.org
(941) 388-4441, ext. 250
Overview
The Florida Master Naturalist Program prepares participants to share their knowledge with others in a positive way that helps others feel a greater connection to the land and sea and to help others develop their own personal environmental ethics.
Information on the ecology of Florida's systems is an integral part of the program, but the goal is not to create experts in botany, herpetology or any other discipline. Instead, the Florida Master Naturalist Program initiates a life-long process of learning, observation and of sharing with others. Students have the opportunity to increase their knowledge of Florida's natural systems, of the plants and animals that depend upon these systems and of the role humans play in shaping our past, determining our future and as environmental stewards.
Who Should Attend
Students must be 18 or older and interested in learning more about Florida’s environment. Those who benefit include environmental educators, natural resource managers, volunteers, eco-tour guides, teachers and anyone wishing to expand their knowledge of Florida’s natural world. Professionals and teachers have obtained CEUs and in-service credit.
Attendance Policy
- You cannot miss more than 8 hours (20% of the 40 contact hours) This is a FMNP policy and cannot be modified by the Instructor.
- To receive certification, the 8 hours or less missed must be made up by completing an assignment of equal time and content. Approval of the Instructor is required.
- If total hours missed exceeds 8 hours, certification is not possible regardless of material made up.
- All absences should be discussed with the instructor in advance. In case of emergencies, please notify Instructor as soon as possible.
Cancellation Policy
Visit the FMNP website for the lastest cancellation information and addtional details.
