Meet Chelsea Dinon: A Florida Master Naturalist Program Success Story

Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate

Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) helps young professionals round out their skills

Biologist Chelsea Dinon lives to go cave diving in Florida’s natural springs. A Florida resident since elementary school, Chelsea has maintained a lifelong interest in natural resources. Learning more about Florida’s springs was the primary reason she pursued a graduate degree in cell and molecular biology. Most of her experience with natural resources on the macro level was grounded in northern Florida. When Chelsea took a job as stormwater project manager with Sarasota County Public Works, she turned to the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) to learn more about Sarasota’s local flora and fauna. The Freshwater Systems core module, led by Dr. Katherine Clements, was the perfect fit for her goals. “As a project manager, it’s important to know native flora and fauna, especially for restoration projects. I’ve been able to apply the plant taxonomy knowledge I gained in the course, to my work and encourage the use of natives and the removal of non-native and invasive plants in our project areas.”

Chelsea diving and covered in Salvinia at Manatee Springs State Park.

Chelsea uses her cave diving skills and ecological education as a volunteer with a springs conservation group and spends lots of time in the water, diving and collecting data. Data obtained from below the spring’s surface, inside the cave system, is used to identify changes in water chemistry and provides important information to help government officials make decisions about nearby land use changes.

Also an accomplished photographer, Chelsea has a part-time photography business and likes to use images to tell stories. Particularly with regard to springs, these images can help people care about places they wouldn’t otherwise see. Long term, she would like to use her photography skills to help with other resource conservation projects.

FMNP courses provide an opportunity for learning, sharing, and connecting

When asked what she valued most about her experience with FMNP courses, Chelsea cites the diversity of the students. “We had such a wide range of people in class, and unlike traditional academic settings, everyone was there because they wanted to learn. The student diversity encouraged on-topic discussions, which fosters an incredible environment for learning.”

In reflecting on the structure of the program, with its mix of classroom learning, field excursions, and student projects, Chelsea commented, “The FMNP courses are a great way to learn about our native environments and meet a wide variety of people. Learning environments with active student engagement are where real discussions are had and where learning really happens.”

Chelsea doing an algae survey at Madison Blue Spring State Park.

Learning environments with active student engagement are where real discussions are had and where learning really happens.

She particularly enjoyed the opportunity to network with fellow students of all ages and backgrounds. She recommends the program, hands-down. Recently promoted to a management position where she supervises project managers and field staff, she plans to encourage everyone on her staff to take advantage of the FMNP courses. “Knowing how to identify native species vs. invasive species is a must. And what an opportunity to learn with like-minded, interested students.”

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! Friends events in Sarasota County are shared via our Nature News newsletter.