The course format is in-person.

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.

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 the Garden Lodge classroom in Clearwater. It may be chilly or warm in this classroom – please dress accordingly (wear/bring layers). Park your vehicle in the northern end of the parking lot closest to the building.

Bring Course Material to Class Each Day:
• If you didn’t order a hardcopy course booklet, bring a charged computer to each classroom session to view your course material during class. Outlets are scarce or not available.
• If you ordered a hardcopy course booklet, bring that to each classroom session.

Field Trip 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.

Course Time Schedule does not include travel time, except between AM & PM sessions.

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. Please arrange your schedule for that purpose
• 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 your travel time (except between AM & PM classes).

Food & Drinks!If you enjoy coffee or need a snack, you may bring your own if you clean up after yourself. No Styrofoam – violators have to bring snacks to the hungry class the next day.  Always bring a sack lunch – there will not be enough time to get a drive-through meal.

Cell Phones 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. 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. Use your brain before your body.

Field Clothes & Footwear:
• 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/insect protection, closed-toe shoes (wet shoes or other appropriate footwear), hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Field Items to Bring:
• Required – Drinking water is required in the field. No exceptions. Bring water in a reusable, non-single-use container and bring extra to refill it too.
• 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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