The course format is in-person.

Covid-19 safety precautions:

In light of the latest CDC updates and guidance from UF health experts, we no longer require masks during in-person FMNP activities but welcome masks for those who wish to wear them and voice support for those who do.

Attendance Policy:

• You cannot miss more than 4.75 hours (20% of the 24 contact hours) This is a FMNP policy and cannot be modified by the Instructor.
• To receive certification, the 4.75 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 4.75 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.

Classroom Presentations:
“Classroom” means we are in at Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs. It might be very warm or cool outside while the inside temperature may be the opposite—please, dress accordingly.

• If you did not order a hardcopy manual, bring a computer with a full battery charge to view your course material.
• Pre/Post Tests and the Course Evaluation are electronic, so please bring a cell phone or tablet with internet access.

Locations & Times may change due to unforeseen circumstances. This rarely happens. It is the student’s responsibility to verify field information. Transportation and lunches are not included.

Course Time Schedule does not include travel time, except between AM & PM classes.

Illness Precautions– Transmission Reduction Practices
• If you have a contagious illness or you may have one, please stay home.
• We recommend all individuals taking FMNP courses that meet in person for classes and/or field trips be vaccinated against diseases as recommended by the CDC.
• We encourage those individuals at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 or other transmissible diseases not to participate in a course with in-person activities and instead register for one of the fully online FMNP courses being offered.

Student Carpooling is Suggested and is up to students to arrange.

On Your Own Homework Assignments are course activities that you complete on your own time prior to the next classroom or in-person field trip date. During the next classroom session, students will verbally share this information with the other students. • Nothing is due on the first day.
• Your mandatory in-class participation is very informal and brief (~3 to 5 mins); it’s more of a discussion than a presentation.
• All students are to turn in to the instructors a hardcopy of the research/case study restoration project, and/or electronically provide a source link.
• For these assignments, students are not required to discuss restoration projects that they themselves have conducted, nor do students need any previous experience. Actually, we expect many of the students will have little to no restoration knowledge or experience. We only need students to have an interest in learning about natural wetlands, their functions, and ways that we can mimic nature through restoration.

Flexible Schedule:

• The schedule times listed are as close as possible, but we need you to be flexible. Please arrange your schedule to be flexible.
• We probably will not get out early; however, we may run late due to unforeseen circumstances.

Food and Drinks! Both are allowed in the rooms. Please, absolutely no Styrofoam containers—violators have to bring snacks to the hungry class the next day

Cell Phones are fine to use outside of class. Please don’t allow them to ring during classroom sessions or on field trips. Talk on the gadgets during break time, lunchtime, before and after class. Violators have to bring snacks to the hungry class the next day.

Field Items:

• Bringing Water is Required May through September (and is recommended during the other months); bring water in refillable, non-single use containers.
• Optional Items: Snacks, field ID books, notepad and pen, binoculars, insect repellent, etc. .

Field Recommendations:

• Don’t wear perfume/cologne or use perfumed soap/body lotion before going out in the field. This may attract more unwanted buzzing invertebrates known as mosquitoes, midges (no see ‘ems) and bees.
• There are insects (including mosquitoes), spiders, and snakes outdoors. Hopefully, we will see many of these beautiful creatures. Always watch where you are putting your hands and feet. Use your brain before your body.

Suggested Field Clothes:

• Be aware that typically you will be experiencing a variety of environments. For your comfort, always bring a complete spare change of clothes, shoes, socks, and a towel. We will likely be getting our feet/legs wet during the field trips.
• Wear: Cool, breathable clothing, long sleeves and pants (important for protecting you from the sun, any thorns/biting plants), hiking shoes or appropriate closed-toe footwear, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Required: Wear closed-toe shoes. The field trails are not always level or easy to travel.
• Temperatures may vary during our field trips—please, dress accordingly. Wear breathable pants, & long sleeves.

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