Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate
Meet Dr. Davis
This is Dr. Mary Davis, a retired PhD Ecologist and Sarasota County volunteer. She is also a Florida Master Naturalist Program graduate. What is a PhD Ecologist doing in the Florida Master Naturalist Program? Keep reading to learn more about Mary’s path, and how the Florida Master Naturalist Program impacted her life!
A Career of Impact and Accomplishment
Mary Davis spent her career as an ecologist studying wetland restoration and aquatic habitats. She has worked with organizations such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Wildlife Federation, The Nature Conservancy, and Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership.
Dr. Davis’ educational path includes degrees in biology/botany (BS), fire ecology (MS), and wetland ecology (PhD). She led regional conservation programs for freshwater wetlands and rivers across the southeast. Mary helped scientists bring information about these ecosystems to policymakers and program managers to support science-based decision-making.
When she retired and moved back to her hometown of Venice, Mary sought out volunteer roles where she could share her knowledge and experience. In these roles, her hope was to use her skills for the benefit of Florida’s diminishing natural areas.
Enter the Florida Master Naturalist Program
Mary then pursued many volunteer roles, including leading EcoWalks for UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County. These 2-hour guided educational hikes take place in Sarasota County’s large variety of unique parks and preserves, focused on those sites that have been funded by the Florida Communities Trust, a state-funded land acquisition program that assists communities with protecting natural resources.
During her career as a scientist, Mary had little experience delivering educational programs. As such, she felt she needed guidance on organizing and presenting information to suit the diverse audiences that attend the walks. To help fill that gap, she enrolled in FMNP’s Environmental Interpretation course led by Dr. Katherine Clements, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County’s Ecology and Natural Resources Educator. This course gave her not only the skills she needed, but the confidence to deliver educational programs through the lens of her extensive career and life experiences.
Our ecosystems are magical to me in how intertwined and interdependent all the components are. It is a joy to be able to help others see and learn a little more about what we have around us. The Environmental Interpretation course was instrumental in allowing me to share my personal feelings and joy about ecosystems, which was discouraged during my career as a scientist. I was encouraged by Katherine and my classmates to share what I know and love!
What else does Dr. Davis have to say about the FMNP?
If you are thinking about taking a course, She says “Good idea! You are going to enjoy it and come out of the class very knowledgeable about Florida
ecosystems! These classes offer people from all walks of life comprehensive and intensive training about our natural environments. They use that knowledge in many ways – all of which support the preservation and conservation of our ecosystems. The more knowledgeable people there are working for the environment, the more successful we will be in saving what is left.”
The more knowledgeable people there are working for the environment, the more successful we will be in saving what is left.
Giving Back Close to Home
Mary’s Environmental Interpretation course opened the floodgates, and she is now a very active retiree. Dr. Davis regularly volunteers for UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County’s Ecology and Natural Resources Program.
Two days a week, she inspires Florida’s next generation of scientists, conservationists, and nature-lovers through UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County’s Learning in Florida’s Environment (LIFE) program. Through this program she helps introduce 4th and 5th graders from Sarasota County schools to the wonders of the natural world through hands-on field science experiences.
In addition, she volunteers for the Mangrove Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, Venice Area Audubon, and the Citizen Advisory Board for the Venice City Council.
The Icing on the Cake
FMNP graduates consistently share that their favorite aspect of these courses is the opportunity to make new connections and friendships, and build community with other passionate nature enthusiasts. Dr. Davis has become involved with the Suncoast Friends of FMNP and regularly attends outings where she shares her knowledge freely.
“FMNP has put me in touch with like-minded people with whom I can work and play in many ways.”
Her next step? The Coastal Systems module this spring with Jason Robertshaw. Stay tuned!
Become a Florida Master Naturalist!
Celebrate 25 years of the Florida Master Naturalist Program and register for a course, and see what all the hype is about! Register for an available course near you (or virtual), 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.
To find out about upcoming events and FMNP courses, sign up for our newsletter, Nature News. Graduates from an FMNP class may also join their local Friends of FMNP group to continue learning, creating community, and supporting conservation locally. Friends events in Charlotte, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties are shared via our Nature News newsletter and on the Suncoast Friends Facebook page.
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