Clay County

May 24-26, 2024
Registration closes at Noon on May 20, 2024
(Course Code: M24-02)

In-Person Class Facilities

UF/IFAS Extension Clay County Office
2463 FL-16, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043

Jennings State Forest Conference Room
1335 Long Horn Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32234

Instructors Information

Lead and Point of Contact: Cassidy Dossin, Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent
Organization: UF/IFAS Extension Clay County
Phone: (904) 284-6355
Email: cdossin@ufl.edu

Associates: Amy Morie, Mulberry Hill Studio; and Beth Smith, Florida Forest Service
Assistant: Allan Hallman, Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission

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Course Guidelines

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.

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 coursework: If you miss a class or a field trip, you must make-up the same material. The makeup needs to be verified by the instructor and completed within a week. This class takes place over one weekend, so making up work is very difficult and your ability to do so is not guaranteed. It is strongly recommended to keep your schedule for the weekend clear.

Classroom Presentations:

We will be meeting at several locations throughout Clay County, please pay close attention to the schedule. Instructors will provide detailed directions via email and at the first class meeting time on Friday. Please contact the lead instructor (Cassidy) if you have any questions.

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. Carpooling suggested.

Camping: Saturday night camping is optional. Tent camping spots will be available near our classroom activities for Saturday night, free of charge. For accommodations for any other nights, seek rooms/camping elsewhere. (Options for hotel and camping accommodations will be provided by the instructor ahead of the class.)

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.
• 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).

Food & Drinks!
Food and drinks are allowed in the classroom. Some snacks will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own as well. Lunch is on your own and often out in the field, so best to plan to pack your lunch each day. There are limited restaurant options for Day 1, and no options for Days 2 and 3. There will be limited space in coolers. Please, no polypropylene (Styrofoam) containers.
On Saturday evening, dinner will be provided (burgers, hotdogs, chips, drinks, etc.).

Cell Phones: These 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.

Field Trips: Saturday and Sunday activities and presentations will take place entirely outside in the field. Plan accordingly!
• Bring a reuseable water bottle. A water fountain/bottle refill station is available at our classroom facility. Water will be brought in coolers to field trips to refill your bottle.
• Recommended to bring: water, snacks, field ID books, notepad and pen, binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, towels, and an optional change of clothes (spare shoes/socks/pants/shirt).
• 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. Also, recommended to not wear in class, as many people are sensitive.
• 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.
• Required: Always Wear Close-toed Shoes. The field trails are not always level or easy to travel; some plants have thorns; there may be poison ivy; fire ants, etc. Open-toed shoes are not acceptable to be worn in the field.
• Be aware that typically you will be experiencing a variety of environments. For your comfort, always bring a spare change of clothes. Florida ecosystems are sometimes wet!
• Wear: layered clothes, long sleeves and pants, hiking boots or appropriate footwear for the day’s field trip, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent (especially on feet/legs).
• It might be very hot and/or wet on our field trips—please, dress accordingly.

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