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.

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, as this is your class.

Classroom Presentations and Course Time Schedule:
• "Classroom" means we will be at the Office of Resource Stewardship's Gathering Room, in Tallahassee. Please arrive on time. Student Carpooling to and from the classroom is suggested and is up to students to arrange.
• The schedule times listed are as close as possible, but flexibility is needed, as classes may sometimes run a little bit late. Please arrange your schedule so that this will work for you.

Field Trip Locations & Times:
• We will carpool to and from all field trip locations. Field Trip Locations & Times may change due to unforeseen circumstances, as storms and inclement weather could cause the need to reschedule. It is the student’s responsibility to verify all field information.

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.

Caffeine, Snacks, and Lunch!
• If you enjoy coffee or need a snack, you may bring your own; food and drinks are allowed in the classroom. Always bring a bag lunch – there will not be enough time to get a drive-through meal. On field trip days, also bring a large reusable water bottle to make sure you will be able to stay hydrated all day.

Cell Phones:
Cell Phones are fine to use outside of class. Please don’t allow them to ring during classroom sessions or on field trips. You can use your phones during break time, lunchtime, before and after class.

Field Trip Recommendations:

• Always walk a good distance away from other students before using spray-on insect repellents and sunscreens. 
• Please refrain from wearing perfumes or body lotions with fragrance.  Perfumed products may actually attract unwanted buzzing invertebrates such 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.

Field Clothes & Footwear:
• Always dress for the weather. Wear layered clothes, including cool, breathable long sleeves and pants for sun protection, closed-toe shoes, hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Be aware that typically you will be experiencing a variety of environments. Closed-toe shoes are required at all times in the field. Field trails are not always level or easy to travel, and there can be invisible hazards under water. Hiking shoes are appropriate for upland hikes; in wet environments, you can wear old sneakers or water shoes. Depending on water depth, rain boots might also work fine. For your comfort, always bring a complete change of clothes, shoes, socks, and a towel.

Field Items to Bring:
• Drinking water is required in the field. Bring it in a reusable, non-single-use container and bring water to refill it too.
• Optional: snacks, field ID books and apps, sketchbook, notepad and pen, binoculars, camera, insect repellent, towels.