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 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.

Classroom Presentations will be held at at a variety of locations throughout Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Walton Counties.. Please pay close attention to the schedule. Instructors will provide updated information and directions via email the night before each class session. Please contact instructor if you have any questions.  In the classroom, it might be very warm or very cool—please, dress accordingly.

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

Field Trip Locations are within Escambia & Santa Rosa County. Expect no restrooms at field sites. Field sites are regional with limited parking; students need to carpool when possible. Field locations, activities, and times may change due to weather

Student Carpooling is suggested and is up to students to arrange.

Food & Drinks! Please utilize reusable food and drink containers. Food and drinks are allowed in the classrooms. Please bring your own beverages and snacks. Lunch is on your own and often out in the field, so best to plan to pack your lunch each day. We will provide water coolers on field trips to refill water bottles.

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. 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).

Food & Drinks! Please utilize reusable food and drink containers. Food and drinks are allowed in the classrooms. Please bring your own beverages and snacks. Lunch is on your own and often out in the field, so best to plan to pack your lunch each day. We will provide water coolers on field trips to refill water bottles.

Cell Phones: These 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.

Field Trips:
•Water is Required to be Carried with You – No Exceptions.
• Bring: water, snacks, field ID books, notepad and pen, binoculars, insect repellent, towels, 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 more unwanted buzzing invertebrates known as mosquitoes, midges (no see ‘ems) and flies. Also, recommended to not wear in class, as many people are sensitive.
• There are insects (including mosquitoes), spiders, and snakes outdoors. Always watch where you are putting your hands and feet.
• Required: Always Wear Close-toed Shoes. The field trails are not always level or easy to travel; some plants have thorns; there may be poison ivy; fire ants, etc. Open-toed shoes are not acceptable to be worn in the field.
• Be aware that typically you will be experiencing a variety of environments. For your comfort, always bring a spare change of clothes. Florida ecosystems are sometimes wet!
• Wear: layered clothes, long sleeves and pants, hiking boots or appropriate footwear, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent (especially on feet/legs).
• It might be very hot and/or wet on our field trips—please, dress accordingly.

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