Florida Master Naturalist Program

Attendance Policy:

• You cannot miss more than 4.75 hours (20% of the 40 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 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 means we are at the American Beach Community Center in Fernandina. It can be 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:
● Students who have the electronic PDF version must bring a charged device or tablet to access and follow along with the course material. (Note: power outlets may not be available.)
● Students that paid for a hardcopy should bring it.

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.
• The Course Time Schedule does not include travel time to the American Beach Community Center.

Caffeine, Snacks and Lunch! If you enjoy coffee or need a snack, you may bring your own. At the Community Center, we have access to a refrigerator.

Cell Phones: Please don’t allow these to ring during classroom sessions or on field trips.

Field Trip Locations & Times may change due to unforeseen circumstances. It is the student’s responsibility to verify field information.

Student Carpooling: Transportation in a 15-passenger van will be provided.

Field Trip 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.

Field Supplies:
• It might be very warm or very cool on our field trips—please, dress accordingly.
• Be aware that typically you will be experiencing wet and muddy environments.
• Required – Wear 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 water to refill it too.

Suggestions: It is advised to bring: Snacks, field ID books, notepad and pen, binoculars, insect repellent.

Make-up Day Due to Inclement Weather: To be held at the Callahan Extension Office, 543350 US HWY 1, Callahan, FL 32011 on a day to be determined, if necessary.

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