Florida Master Naturalist Program

The course format is in-person.

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.

Make-up Time Frame:
• If you miss a class or a field trip, you must make-up the same material. Discuss with instructors prior to making up material. The make-up needs to be completed within a week when possible.
• If you miss more than 4.75 hours, the University of Florida will not certify you as a naturalist, but please keep coming to as many classes as possible…this is your class.

Classroom Presentations: "Classroom” means we are at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center Classroom. It is often very chilly in this classroom – you may want to bring a sweatshirt, a beach towel to throw over your legs, or wear layers.

Bring Course Material to Class Each Day:
• If you ordered the manual PDF, bring a charged computer to each classroom session to view your course material during class. Outlets are scarce.
• If you ordered a hardcopy course booklet, bring that to each classroom session.

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

Course Time Schedule does not include travel time required to drive to meeting locations.

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

Flexible Schedule

• The schedule times listed are as close as possible, but we need you to be flexible.
• We probably will not get out early; however, we may run late.by a few minutes. Please arrange your schedule so that the class can be flexible. We will try to stick to the listed times, however, your attentiveness to getting back on time from breaks and lunch impacts our schedule. Please be timely.
• Course time schedule does not include your travel time (except between AM & PM classes)..

Food & Drinks! Food and drinks are allowed in the classroom. Please be sure to bring a reusable/refillable water bottle.

Cell Phones: These are fine to use outside of class. Please don’t allow it to ring during classroom sessions or on field trips. Talk on the gadgets during break time, lunchtime, before and after class.

Field Trips:
• Water is Required to be Carried with You – No Exceptions.
• Bring: water, snacks, field ID books, notepad and pen, binoculars, insect repellent, towels and an optional change of clothes (spare shoes/socks/pants/shirt).
• 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 flies. Also, recommended to not wear in class, as many people are sensitive.
• 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.>
• Required: Always Wear Closed-Toe Shoes. The field trails are not always level or easy to travel; some plants have thorns; there may be poison ivy; fire ants, etc. Open-toe shoes are not acceptable to be worn in the field.
• Be aware that typically you will be experiencing a variety of environments. For your comfort, always bring a spare change of clothes. Coastal ecosystems are sometimes wet!
• Wear: layered clothes, long sleeves and pants, hiking boots or appropriate footwear for the day’s field trip, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent (especially on feet/legs).>
• It might be very hot or cold, or wet on our field trips—please, dress accordingly.

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