Florida Master Naturalist Program

The course format is in-person.

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
You will be attending various classroom presentations at the TCS Nature Center and the Erna Nixon Park pavilion. It is often very chilly in the pavilion, especially in December.  You may want to bring a sweatshirt, a beach towel to throw over your legs, or wear layers.  Also, seating in the pavilion is on wooden benches.  You may want to bring a pad or towel/blanket to sit on.  You are also welcome to bring a folding chair to sit in.

• Bring course materials to class each day, whether as a hardcopy or electronic.

Student Carpoolingis encouraged and is up to students to arrange.

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.

“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.

Flexible Schedule:
• The schedule times listed are as close as possible, but we need you to be flexible. br> • We probably will not get out early; however, we may run late due to unforeseen circumstances.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.
• Course time schedule does not include 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 – violators have to bring snacks to the hungry class the next day. There are many options for lunch at both locations, including fast food restaurants, Publix and Winn-Dixie stores, etc. You are also welcome to bring your own lunch and snacks. Both parks have a kitchen area and you are welcome to store your lunch in the refrigerator or use the microwave oven.

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.

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. Avoid see-through fabrics when wet. For your comfort, always bring a spare change of clothes and shoes.
• 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
- Please refrain from wearing perfumes or body lotions with fragrance in the classroom. Other students may be sensitive to these odors making them nauseous, giving them a headache, or even causing physical symptoms like a rash.

- Snacks, field ID books, notepad and pen, and binoculars are encouraged

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