The mission of the UF/IFAS Extension Ranger Naturalist Program at Weedon Island Preserve is to provide a service learning opportunity for youth (ages 15-18) to build leadership skills and environmental awareness. Interested students and their parents are invited to the May 10^th Program Overview to learn what the Ranger Naturalist Program is all about!

During the course of the program, students will be expected to complete their necessary volunteer hours, working 12-16 hours per week. The designated days of the program are Thursdays and Fridays with some Saturday program commitments. The program will run from June 13th through August 8th, 2014, the 4th of July week will be an OFF week for the program.

All volunteer youth will be trained to assist guests that are visiting the Education Center and trails, as well as develop individual projects that support the mission of the Center. There will be training modules and assessments along the way to check your knowledge of the material.

Our main objectives are:

• To assist with guided tours, exhibit tours, programs, main office, and help desk.
• To learn the diverse ecosystems of the Preserves.
• To use your knowledge to teach visitors, and others.
• Develop customer service and interpretive skills.
• To develop leadership skills through a self-directed project.

The Cooperative Extension System was established by the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, and allows us all to benefit from the research and education of each state’s land-grant universities. In Florida, Extension has helped millions by sharing the latest information from the research engines of the University of Florida and Florida A&M University.

Libby Carnahan
Sea Grant Agent
UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County
Phone (727) 453-6522
lcarnahan@ufl.edu

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