Florida Master Natural Program - Coastal Module

The Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service is pleased to offer the Florida Master Naturalist Program-Coastal Systems module in February 2013. The Florida Naturalist Program (FMNP) is an adult-education program for persons interested in learning more about Florida’s ecosystems or wishing to increase their knowledge for use in educational programs as volunteers, employees, and ecotourism guides. Through classroom instructions, field trips, and practical experience, this six-day module will provide instruction on the general ecology, habitats, vegetation, wildlife, and conservation issues of Coastal Systems in Florida.

The class will address naturalist interpretation skills, environmental ethics, and the role of humankind in shaping our past and determining our future. Classes begin February 20 (8am-5pm) and continue on February 27, March 6, March 20, March 27 and April 3. On April 9 (9am) in the Manatee County Commission Chambers, the class will be presented with a UF-IFAS certificate of completion, embroidered FMNP patch, and an FMNP Coastal lapel pin.

The cost for the course is $225.00, which includes all field trips, 40 contact hours of instruction, and a comprehensive student reference workbook. The only requirements of students are enthusiasm, attendance, and completion of group final projects. If interested in registering for the Florida Master Naturalist Program – Coastal Module, please e-mail Lisa Hickey at lisa.hickey@ufl.edu.

Unless otherwise noted, all classes are free and are held at the Manatee County Agriculture and Extension Service, 1303 17th Street West, Palmetto, Florida 34221. Minimum workshop size is required; workshop size is limited. Register in advance online via our website at http://manatee.ifas.ufl.edu or call 941-722-4524 for all workshops.