• Your instructors will provide additional information, including maps and directions to field trip locations via email approximately 3 days before class starts.

• Course manual pdf is provided electronically to all students after/at the first class depending upon the classroom internet connection.

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.
• If you miss more than 8 hours, you will not be certified, but please keep coming to as many classes as possible…this is your class.

Classroom Presentations: Be sure to watch your schedule closely. “Classroom” means we are at the Moccasin Lake Nature Park in Clearwater, the FWC Chinsegut Nature Center in Brooksville, or the Oscar Scherer State Park’s Nature Center. It may be a little warm or cool in these facilities – you may want to wear or bring layers to adjust for indoor temperature changes

Bring Course Material to Class Each Day & Bring Your Cell/Tablet/Laptop on 1st and Last Days:

• If you didn’t order a hard copy course manual, 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 hard copy, bring it to each classroom session.

Field Trip Locations & Times may change due to unforeseen circumstances.  It is the student’s responsibility to verify field information. Transportation and lunches are not included. Students are expected to participate throughout each of the field trips.

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

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 by a few minutes. We will try to stick to the listed times, but please arrange your schedule so that the class can be flexible.
• Course time schedule does not include your travel time (except between AM & PM classes).

Caffeine, Snacks and Lunch! If If you enjoy coffee or need a snack, you may bring your own. You are responsible for cleaning 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 because we likely will not be near any until your drive home at the end of class.

Cell Phones: These are fine to use outside of class. Please don’t allow it 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 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 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 walking to and through uplands, there may be wetlands. You may experience wet and muddy environments. It may rain, so 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 protection, closed-toe shoes (hiking boots, tennis shoes, or other appropriate footwear), hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.

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