Sarasota County

March 24- May 19, 2023
Registration closes at Noon on March 20, 2023
(Course Code: cs23-06)

In-Person Class Facility

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Keating Marine Science Education Building, 3rd floor, New Pass Room #3 (315)
1599 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236

Note: Keating is the first large gray building on your left after turning down Ken Thompson Parkway. (It has a large blue octopus mural on the outside).
The elevator has directional signs. Limited parking is available in the shell lot across from Keating and ample parking down by the Aquarium (<5 min walk).

Instructor Information

Lead and Point of Contact: Jason Robertshaw, Program Manager for Virtual Learning
Organization: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Phone: 941-388-2904
Email: endlessoceans@mote.org
Website: https://mote.org/education/colleges-adults/florida-master-naturalist-program

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Tentative Course Agenda

Scroll through the Agenda below to view all dates

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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.

Instructor's Notes

• Resources and communication will be conducted via email (endlessoceans@mote.org).
• You are also strongly encouraged to join the companion Google Classroom for ready, organized access to resources and communication. Details for joining will be provided via email and on the first day of class.

Classroom Presentations

Classes will held at Mote Marine Lab, Keating Marine Science Education Building, 3rd floor, New Pass Room #3 (315).Keating is the first large gray building on your left after turning down Ken Thompson Parkway. (It has a large blue octopus mural on the outside). The elevator has directional signs. Limited parking is available in the shell lot across from Keating and ample parking down by the Aquarium (<5 min walk).

Field Trip Locations & Times

May change due to unforeseen circumstances. . We will go over any changes to the schedule in class and/or an e-mail will be sent to all students.  Transportation and lunches are not included.

Course Time Schedule

Does not include travel time required to drive to meeting locations, except between AM & PM classes..

Attendance Policy

• You cannot miss more than 8 hours (20% of the 40 contact hours) This is a FMNP policy and cannot be modified by the Instructor.
• To receive certification, the 8 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 8 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.

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.

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

Field Trips:

• Water is Required to be Carried with You – No Exceptions.
• Bring: water, snacks, field ID books, notepad and pen, binoculars, insect repellent, 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. Freshwater ecosystems are sometimes wet!
• Wear: layered clothes, long sleeves and pants, hiking boots or appropriate foot wear for the day’s field trip, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent (especially on feet/legs).
• It might be very hot or cold, or wet on our field trips—please, dress accordingly.

“An Equal Opportunity Institution”