Palm Beach County

February 23 - March 8, 2023
Registration closes at Noon on February 22, 2023
(Course Code: IP23-05)


In-Person Class Facilities (Revised 1-19-23)

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
1801 N. Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432

UF/IFAS Extension Palm Beach Co. Office: Mounts Auditorium
531 N Military Trl, West Palm Beach, FL 33415


Instructor Information

Lead and Point of Contact: Chris Lockhart, Plant Ecologist
Organization: Habitat Specialists, Inc.
Phone: 561-738-1179
Email: chris@lockharts.org


Associates: Autumn Kioti, Wildness is Necessary and Katie Grablow
Assistant: Natalie Frendberg, Sustainability Office, Palm Beach County


The course format is Hybrid: Live online and optional in-person.

Tentative Course Agenda (Revised 1-19-23)

Scroll through the Agenda below to view all dates


The course format is Hybrid: Live online and optional in-person.

CLASS GUIDELINES:

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.


Live Online Meeting indicates when you are required to be online (via Zoom) at the designated time to participate in course presentations, discussions, and activities. Attendance will be taken by the instructor.

To participate, you must have:
•Downloaded to latest version of Zoom (https://zoom.us/)
• An internet connection suitable for live streaming (wired or wireless)
• Headset, or speakers and microphone (most laptops have this included)
• Web camera (most laptops have this included)
• A quiet location where you will not be disturbed


In-person Meetings indicated on the agenda. Check with instructor regarding Zoom option, if needed.

On Your Own: describes required course activities you are expected to complete by the requested deadline.

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.

Field trip locations and times may change due to unforeseen circumstances. It is the student’s responsibility to verify field information. Transportation and lunches are not included. Carpooling is suggested.

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 a 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.
  • 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.
  • Required: Always Wear Close-toed 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-toed 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.
  • Wear: layered clothes, long sleeves and pants, hiking boots or appropriate foot-wear for the day’s field trip, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent (especially on feet/legs).
  • It might be very hot on our field trips—please, dress accordingly.

Flexible Schedule - Agenda Details are Subject to Change:

  • 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. We will try to stick to the listed times, but please arrange your schedule so that the class can be flexible.
  • Course time schedule does not include your travel time (except between AM & PM classes).

Cell Phones: They 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.


“An Equal Opportunity Institution”


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We are building a legacy of informed citizens to promote awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida's natural ecosystems. To ensure we continue inspiring conservation education and action for decades to come, we need to raise $2 million to establish an endowment for an FMNP Program Leader in perpetuity.

Ripples spread when a single pebble is dropped. Please consider contributing to the FMNP Endowment Fund, or contact Dr. Main at mmain@ufl.edu to discuss options for a major gift. Thank you for your ongoing actions to help conserve Florida’s environment for future generations to enjoy!



The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is a federal-state-county partnership dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and the life sciences, and enhancing and sustaining the quality of human life by making that information accessible. While extending into every community of the state, UF/IFAS has developed a national and international reputation for its accomplishments in teaching, research and Extension.

UF/IFAS OCI

OCI stands for the Office of Conferences & Institutes. It is a full service conference planning agency at the University of Florida. OCI was created to support the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) mission to develop knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and to make that knowledge available to people to sustain and enhance the quality of life.

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  • Phone:
    (352) 294-3583
  • Email:
    msowder@ufl.edu
  • Address:
    2311 Mowry Road, Bldg. 78
    PO Box 110750
    Gainesville, FL 32611