The course format is Hybrid: Classes (online or in-person) and Field Trips (in-person or own your own).

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 the most recent Zoom application to your personal computer (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

On Your Own:

Describes required course activities you are expected to complete on your own prior by the deadline stated.

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 the 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 8 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: We are either meeting on Zoom or at a designated location for in-person classes. Links to the Zoom class will be provided before the first day of class. In-person classrooms may be chilly so you may want to bring a jacket, sweatshirt, etc.

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: 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.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).

Caffeine, Snacks and Lunch! If you enjoy coffee or need a snack, you may bring your own. No Styrofoam! When we meet in-person, bring a sack lunch – there will not be enough time to get a drive-through meal.

Cell Phones:These are fine to use outside of class. Please silence your phone during classroom sessions or on field trips. Limit conversations to break time, lunchtime, before and after class.

Field Trip 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 flies. Other students may be sensitive to these odors, causing nausea, headaches or even a rash.
• There are insects (including mosquitoes), spiders, and snakes outdoors. Hopefully, we will see many of these beautiful creatures. Always watch where you put your hands and feet.

Field Supplies:

• It might be very warm or very cool on our field trips—please, dress accordingly.

• Be aware that you may experience wet, muddy or dry environments. Avoid see-through fabrics when wet. For your comfort, always bring a spare change of clothes
• Required – closed-toe shoes at all times in the field. No exceptions. 
• Wear: Layered clothes, maybe long sleeves and pants for sun protection, closed-toe shoes (wet shoes or other appropriate footwear), hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen).

• Drinking water is required in the field. No exceptions. Bring it in a reusable, non-single-use container and bring extra water to refill as needed.

• Optional but helpful:  Snacks, field ID books, notepad and pen, binoculars, insect repellent, towel. Check with instructor prior to field trips for any site specific preparations.