Florida Master Naturalist Program

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 the instructor as soon as possible.

Classroom Presentations: Class sessions will be held at The William Gulliford Community Center may not have reliable Wi-Fi so you may need a fully charged device with a data plan.

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

Course Requirements:

• The interpretive speaking is an individual student activity. Students will select a topic or engage in an experiential activity which will be the basis for a brief (5 minute) talk focusing on interpretive techniques. There may be a small amount of class time for you to work on this activity, but some time outside of class will be needed.
 
• Group projects (groups of 2 or more) focus on an educational deliverable, synthesizing the module content, to present to the class. There will be some class time for you to work on this but some time outside of class may be needed.

Field Trip Locations & Times: Activities and times may change due to unforeseen circumstances. It is the student’s responsibility to verify the field trip information for each class. Transportation and lunches are not included.Field trips may consist of walking about 3 miles on variable terrain.

Student Carpooling is suggested. It is up to the students to arrange.

Food & Drinks: Bring your lunch to each class. There are limited restaurants nearby and time. A refrigerator and snacks will be available in the classroom.

Cell Phones: These are fine to use outside of class. Please don’t allow it to ring during classroom sessions or on field trips and keep your usage to a minimum during class time. We know everyone has busy lives, but please try to give the instructors your full attention.

Field Trips:

• May consist of walking about 3 miles on variable terrain.
• Water is Required to be Carried with You – No Exceptions.
• Attire: Layered clothing always works best. Prepare for field trips with long sleeves and pants, hiking boots or appropriate footwear, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent (especially on feet/legs). It might be very hot or cold, or wet on our field trips—please, dress accordingly.
• Close-toed Shoes Are Required. Uneven terrain and the threat of thorns, poison ivy, and fire ants make close-toed shoes a must for all field trips.
• What to Bring: Water, snacks, field ID books, notepad and pen, binoculars, insect repellent, towel, 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 unwanted buzzing invertebrates such as mosquitoes.
• Always watch where you are putting your hands and feet to avoid less than pleasant interactions with wildlife such as snakes and fire ants.

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