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.
Make-up time frame: If you miss a class or a field trip, you must make-up the same material. The time for makeup needs to be completed within a week when possible. This will keep you from getting behind, as much of the material builds upon itself.

An interpretive 3-minute presentation and a group project reflecting on what you have learned about freshwater ecosystems are requirements for this class. We will discuss these requirements on Day 1 and will provide the support necessary for this to be a comfortable, successful experience for you. Assignments are not meant to be “graded” homework, but rather an opportunity for you to demonstrate the knowledge gained. Please plan for enough time to complete these requirements outside of class.

Classroom Presentations

We will be meeting at various locations throughout Charlotte County, please pay close attention to the schedule. Instructors will provide detailed directions via email prior to the first class. Please contact instructor if you have any questions.  In the classroom, it might be very warm or very cool—please, dress accordingly.

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.

Course Time Schedule: Does not include travel time required to drive to meeting locations.

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

Flexible Schedule:

• The schedule times listed are as close as possible, but we need you to be flexible.
• We will likely not get out early; however, we may run late. We will try to stick to the listed times, but please arrange your schedule so that the class can be flexible.
• Travel time is not included in the schedule (except between AM & PM classes).

Food & Drinks! Food and drinks are allowed in the classroom. Lunch is on your own, but we are often in the field, so it is best to bring your food and beverages with you. Please do not bring polypropylene (Styrofoam) containers or disposable water bottles.

Cell Phones: Cell phones are fine to use outside of class. Please do not allow them 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:

• 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 extremely 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).
• Do not 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.
• Take note that the freshwater ecosystems we will be visiting can be wet. For your comfort, always bring a spare change of clothes and shoes for the field trips.

Instructor Phone Numbers:
Kate Rose: 908-566-5015                 Cathy Tucker: 239-634-7414