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.
- Freshwater Systems Module, Mondays, July 17–August 28, 2023, 9:30 am–3:30pm ET.
- Register here: https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/fs23-11hybrid.html
- The course format is Hybrid: Live online and in-person classes with in-person field activities. Class on Days 1, 2 and 5 will be live online via Zoom. Days 3, 4 and 6 will be held in-person at three different locations: the Sarasota Audubon Nature Center, Mote Aquaculture Research Park, and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. 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 - Future programming: in general, we offer the Coastal Systems Module in March–May and the Freshwater Systems Module from July–September. Check the FMNP website for dates and availability from Mote and all other FMNP organizations.
FMNP Instructors
Jason Robertshaw
endlessoceans@mote.org
(941) 388-2904
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.
