The UF/ IFAS Extension St Lucie County is pleased to announce the upcoming Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) Freshwater Systems course registration is now open. This FMNP course provides 40 hours of educational coursework in a hybrid format including online Zoom and in-person coursework, field trips, and on-your-own field activities. This course provides instruction on the general ecology, habitats, vegetation types, wildlife, and conservation issues of Freshwater Systems in Florida – Marshes, Swamps, and Permanent Wetlands (Lakes, Rivers, Springs, and Streams). The program also addresses society’s role in wetlands, develops naturalist interpretation skills, and discusses environmental ethics.
The total training consists of 40 contact hours. The only requirements of students are enthusiasm, attendance, and completion of final projects. There is no comprehensive examination required. Classroom learning includes four instructional videos and 12 presentations. Outside of the classroom (virtual or in-person), participants will engage in hands-on field activities related to the course units. The lead Florida Master Naturalist Instructor is Ken Gioeli, Extension Agent IV/Natural Resources & Environment. Associate instructors include Michael Sipos with the UF/IFAS Extension Collier County, Andrea Lazzari with the UF/IFAS Extension Indian River County, and Eva Ries with St. Lucie County Audubon and One More Generation. Assistant Instructor is John Nelson, creator of the Audubon Moment.
Upon completion of the course, participants receive Freshwater Systems certification, complete with certificate, patch, and pin from the University of Florida. The registration fees include detailed pdf course manuals, hands-on experience, and registration in an online database that can be used for verification purposes such as might be required for obtaining CEUs, in-service credits, or resume checks. Hard copies of the manual are available for an additional fee. Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin.
What: UF/IFAS Florida Master Naturalist Freshwater Systems Course
When: March 13, 2024 – April 12, 2024
Registration: https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/fs24-06hybrid.php
Cost: $350 Attendee Fee – Includes electronic file (PDF) of manual
Location: Hybrid format will include Zoom, in-person classroom and field trips.
Information: Ken Gioeli at ktgioeli@ufl.edu
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With offices in each of Florida’s 67 counties, UF/IFAS Extension works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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