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 Moccasin Lake Nature Park in their Nature Center (building at the far north end of their parking lot). Be prepared for field trips to be cold or hot, and the classroom being from hot to cold. Layers are recommended to allow any adjustments needed for your comfort—please, dress accordingly. If you didn’t order a hardcopy course booklet, bring a computer with a full battery charge to view your course material. .

Field Trip 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 sessions.

“On Your Own” describes required course activities in the schedule that you are required to complete on your own time prior to the next classroom or in-person field trip date. Nothing is due on the first day. There may be assignments required to be turned in to your instructor by a certain due date – be sure to follow these deadlines. Your in-class participation about your assignment is very informal, but is required.

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. Please arrange your schedule for that purpose
• We probably  will not get out early; however, we may run late due to unforeseen circumstances.
• Course time schedule does not include your travel time (except between AM & PM classes).

Food & Drinks! Please, absolutely no “Styrofoam” containers—violators have to bring snacks to the hungry class the next day. Food and drinks may be allowed in the classroom as long as you clean up after yourself – beverage rings, crumbs, etc. Bring drinks in reusable containers when possible.

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 Recommendations:
• Please 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.

Field Clothes & Shoes:
• Be aware that typically you will be experiencing a variety of environments. Expect to get dirty, sweaty, and even wet during the field activities. Also, it could rain. Be prepared to get gooey, dirty, muddy, and wet depending upon the activity – you get it, you’re naturalists. For your comfort, bring rain gear and a spare change of clothes. Avoid any fleece/furry/fuzzy clothing and if you have long hair tuck it up – Caesar’s weed seeds latch on like super-industrial Velcro and are very difficult to get out.
• Required: Always Wear Closed-toe Shoes. 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 in the field.
• Wear: Layered clothes, long sleeves and pants for protection from the environment, hiking boots or appropriate closed-toe footwear for the day’s field trip (never flip flops or sandals), hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Dress according to possible weather conditions, classroom temperature nuances, safety and our activity schedule.

Field Clothes & Shoes:
• Required: Water carried with you on every field trip. No exceptions. Bring your cell phone for help with plant ID using apps.
• Suggestions: Snacks, field ID books, notepad and pen, binoculars, insect repellent, towels, and a change of clothes (spare shoes/socks/pants/shirt).

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