Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate
Meet Suzy Nolan, Volunteer Extraordinaire
Suzy at Blackwater River State Park, Florida
Indianapolis native Suzy Nolan grew up hiking and observing nature, but it wasn’t until the travel demands of her international food business career slowed down that she began to seek more in-depth knowledge of the natural world. With a degree in biology and more time on her hands, she started a camping group and led monthly trips to state parks. Reading the signage at various parks sparked an interest in learning as much as she could. And learn she did! To date, Suzy has completed seven Florida Master Naturalist courses – the three core modules, plus Wildlife Monitoring, Habitat Evaluation, Environmental Interpretation, and Invasive Plants. Suzy uses this information to enlighten her hiking/camping companions about what they’re seeing on the trail, teaching them about plant identification and animal behavior.
In a general sense, nature is always on my mind.
Where Science and Art Meet
Drawing of an Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) at Highlands Hammock State Park. Credit: Suzy Nolan
A keen observer, Suzy uses nature journaling to record what she sees on field excursions. She learned about this practice from a fellow student in the FMNP Freshwater Systems course, and ever since, it has helped hone her skills as both an artist and scientific observer. “In a general sense, nature is always on my mind. Whether it is a plant trying to squeeze up through a sidewalk or I am immersed in a remote natural area, I’m interested in knowing what it is and why it is there.”
Program Offers Value Well Beyond the Classroom
When asked about the value of the program, Suzy says, “It will change your perspective on the natural world around you and allow you to enjoy and experience each moment outdoors.” Because of this, she believes some form of the program should be incorporated into the high school curriculum. “The training is so important in helping you think about everything you do that can potentially impact the environment.”
Knowledge Benefits Community
Suzy shares about FMNP at Venice Area Audubon’s Rookery Day event
Suzy volunteers with Florida State Parks, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County, Big Waters Land Trust, and Sarasota Audubon Society and is seeking opportunities to use her science background and FMNP knowledge to assist with scientific studies and restoration activities. She reports that she has looked at Master Naturalist programs in other states, but most are not nearly as thorough. “The Florida program is one of the premier programs in the country and I am so fortunate to be a part of it.”
The Florida program is one of the premier programs in the country and I am so fortunate to be a part of it.
Suzy at Congaree National Park, South Carolina
And we are fortunate to have Suzy as a program participant and volunteer! You may see Suzy at one of our community events, sharing her love of all things natural and FMNP with the public, or wandering the trails of Sarasota County and Florida State Parks.
Become a Florida Master Naturalist!
Interested in joining a Florida Master Naturalist Program course to see what all the hype is about? Register for an available course near you, or learn more about the program. You can also apply for a scholarship here.Read a graduate success story to learn how this program impacts the lives of students and their communities. Stay in the know and find out when UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County is offering FMNP courses! Sign up for Nature News, the Ecology and Natural Resources Program’s newsletter. Graduates from a FMNP class may also join their local Friends of FMNP group to continue learning, creating community, and supporting conservation locally! SunCoast Friends of the FMNP events in Sarasota County are shared via our Nature News newsletter.
1
