Hernando County

February 18-20, 2026
Registration closes at Noon on February 12, 2026
(Course Code: M26-01)

In-Person Class Facility

UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County Office
16110 Aviation Loop Dr, Brooksville, FL 34604

Instructors Information

Lead and Point of Contact: Dr. Brittany Scharf, County Extension Director and Marine Agent III
Organization: UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County
Phone: 352-754-4433
Email: bhallscharf@ufl.edu

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Course Guidelines

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 UF/IFAS Extension Hernando County. We have a refrigerator, microwave, and water fountain on-site.

Field Activity Locations & Times are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. It is the participant’s responsibility to verify meeting information. Transportation and lunches are not included. Times do not include travel time required to drive to meeting locations.

Student Carpooling is suggested and it is up to students to arrange.

Flexible Schedule:
Times listed are as close as possible, but we need you to be flexible. 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.

Caffeine, Snacks and Lunch!
If you enjoy coffee or need a snack, you may bring your own. It is recommended to bring a sack lunch.

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 Trip Recommendations:
• 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. Avoid see-through fabrics when wet. For your comfort, always bring a spare change of clothes.
• 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 water bottle.

Suggestions:
Snacks, field ID books, notepad and pen, binoculars, insect repellent, towels, and a complete change of clothes (spare shoes/socks/pants/shirt).

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