The course format is in-person.

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 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.

Classroom Presentations:

“Classroom” means we are at the Brooker Creek Preserve in Tarpon Springs It might be very warm or cool outside while the inside temperature may be the opposite—please, dress accordingly.

• Bring course material to class each day
• If you did not order a hardcopy manual, bring a computer with a full battery charge or other electronic device to view your course material. Make sure gadgets are charged because outlets are scarce.
• If you ordered a hardcopy course booklet, bring that to each classroom session.
• Pre/Post Tests and the Course Evaluation are electronic, so please bring a cell phone or tablet with internet access on first and last days.

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 classes.

Illness Precautions– Transmission Reduction Practices
• If you have a contagious illness or you may have one, please stay home.
• We recommend all individuals taking FMNP courses that meet in person for classes and/or field trips be vaccinated against diseases as recommended by the CDC.
• We encourage those individuals at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 or other transmissible diseases not to participate in a course with in-person activities and instead register for one of the fully online FMNP courses being offered.

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 due to unforeseen circumstances.

Caffeine, Snacks and Lunch!

• If you enjoy coffee/non-alcoholic drinks or need a snack, you may bring your own IF you clean up after yourself – beverage rings, crumbs, etc.
• Absolutely no “Styrofoam” containers; violators have to bring snacks to the hungry class the next day.
• Always bring a sack lunch – there will not be enough time to stop, or purchase from a park vendor, or 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 Items to Bring:

• Bringing water is highly recommended. Use refillable, non-single use containers, please.
• Suggestions: Snacks, field ID books, notepad and pen, binoculars, insect repellent, towels, plastic bags/old towels to cover floorboards in case of dirty/muddy shoes, and a complete change of clothes (spare shoes/socks/pants/shirt).

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 bees.
• 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.
• The field trails are not always level or easy to travel.
• Be aware that typically you, hopefully, 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, long sleeves and pants for skin protection, closed-toe shoes (wet shoes or other appropriate footwear), sunglasses, sunscreen. Temperatures may vary during our field trips—please, dress accordingly. Wear breathable pants, & long sleeves.