Last Saturday (11/2/2024), I had the pleasure of speaking to and meeting with the Space Coast Regional Friends Group of the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP), or as they like to refer to themselves, the Space Coast Master Naturalists (SCMN). What a great group of people! It is personally very rewarding and inspirational for me to meet with groups such as the SCMN who are enthusiastic about educating others, committed to conservation, and motivated to do something about it.
I heard numerous personal stories about the contributions the SCMN are making. Educating youth, leading turtle and nature walks, removing invasive plants and doing beach clean ups, etc., etc. I asked current SCMN president Rhonda Mayo about activities and she shared a few years of data they have been collecting regarding activities conducted by SCMN members – and they’ve contributed about 5,000 hours of volunteer service during the past 3 years. At the established national average value for volunteer time ($33.49/hr), that equates to about $167,500 of service to the Space Coast and the state of Florida.
More importantly, members of the SCMN are making contributions that benefit our natural environments and have positive impacts on peoples’ lives, including their own. It was evident that everyone enjoyed being associated with the SCMN Friends Group and several people made a point of mentioning the friends they’ve made and the fun they’ve had as a an SCMN member. For more information about The Space Coast Regional Friends Group of the Florida Master Naturalists:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FMNPspacecoastregionalchapter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spacecoastmasternaturalists/
Web: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/brevard/sea-grant/scrc/
If you live in other parts of Florida, see our FMNP Friends Group webpage, there may be an FMNP Friends Group near you!
New to the FMNP? We have 11 FMNP courses taught by a statewide network of certified FMNP instructors. For more information, see: www.MasterNaturalist.org or contact us at fmnpcoordinator@gmail.com. We are confident you will find the FMNP very rewarding – as testified to by FMNP graduates:
“Best thing I have ever done. I have learned so much, met so many wonderful people, and found meaningful ways to get involved.” – Ellen Elliotuote, volunteer
“I’ve seen the elements of prime citizen science come alive in my own classroom after integrating principles and concepts I learned while in the course program.”
– Mary Crider, teacher
“FMNP allowed me to move from an enthusiastic volunteer and transition into a professional paid with notable contributions. Worth more than what I could have originally asked for!” – Irene Eva Ries, professional
Join us!
Phone: (352) 294-0497
Email: FMNPcoordinator@gmail.com
Website: www.MasterNaturalist.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialFMNP
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