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
“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.

• Instructors will pass out any hardcopies ordered by students on the first day. Everyone will receive the course manual as an electronic PDF via the class Google Drive (you will need to provide instructors with a “gmail” or “Google-friendly” email address to access the Google Drive.
• Bring course materials to class each day, whether as a hardcopy or electronic.
• If you did not order a hardcopy manual, bring a computer with a full battery charge or other electronic device (tablet, cell phone) to view your course material. Make sure electronics are charged; outlets may be scarce.
• Pre/Post Tests and the Course Evaluation are electronic, so please bring a cell phone or tablet with internet access on first and last days.
• Please refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, scented body lotion, etc. during class. Other students may be sensitive to these odors making them nauseous, giving them a headache, or even causing physical symptoms like a rash. Bring a change of clothes to switch into after our field trips.

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. Be sure to check your emails and phone texts before class and field trips for last minute, unexpected changes. Transportation and lunches are not included.

“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.

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 travel time (except between AM & PM classes)

Caffeine, Snacks and Lunch!
• If you enjoy coffee or other non-alcoholic drinks or you’d like a snack, you may bring your own IF you clean up after yourself – beverage rings, crumbs, etc.
• Absolutely no “Styrofoam” containers; violators have to bring snacks to the hungry class the next day.
• Always bring a sack lunch – there will not be enough time to stop, or purchase from a park vendor, or get a drive-through meal.

Cell Phones:are fine to use outside class. Please don’t allow these to ring during classroom sessions or on field trips. 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.

Field Clothes & Footwear:
• 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, maybe even 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. Wear breathable pants, & long sleeves to protect yourself.
• Dress according to possible weather conditions, classroom temperature nuances, safety and our activity schedule.

Field Items:
• 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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