Blog co-authored by Mary Ellen Boelhower, Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate
Meet Kristen Sturgeon
Meet Kristen Sturgeon, an Environmental Specialist III with Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources. In this image, Kristen is at the Celery Fields, preparing wood duck boxes for an upcoming nesting season. What a cool day at work!
Kristen credits the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) with turbo-charging her career in public land management. Keep reading to learn more about Kristen’s path, and how the Florida Master Naturalist Program impacted her career journey.
How Did Kristen Get Her Start?
Kristen’s first introduction to the field came when she interned with Sarasota County’s Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources- Natural Areas and Trails division while she was a student at the University of South Florida. Sarasota County’s stellar internship program provides students with experience working in the public sector and connects them with valuable professional development opportunities.
After graduation, Kristen’s internship led to a full-time job with the County’s Stormwater Department, where she helped manage county-owned wetland mitigation and regional mitigation areas. These sites must be actively monitored to keep invasive vegetation in check, requiring extensive knowledge of both native and non-native flora. An understanding of the nature of Florida’s diverse ecosystems is also critical. As such, Kristen was interested in ways to deepen her understanding and proficiency.
Next Stop: FMNP!
Supported by her supervisor, Kristen immediately enrolled in FMNP’s Freshwater Systems module to augment her knowledge. As a professional employed in the field, she was impressed with the content of the course. “Before taking the class, I thought I had a pretty solid understanding of natural systems — but I quickly realized there’s so much more depth and complexity than I expected. It was eye-opening in the best way.” Kristen went on to take the Upland and Coastal Systems modules, becoming a Certified Florida Master Naturalist.
What Did Kristen Like Most About the FMNP?
Kristen appreciated the opportunity to visit different sites and talk to the land managers and biologists who manage them. She also enjoyed meeting classmates who all had a common love for the environment.
“The FMNP has made a meaningful difference in my life by expanding my knowledge of Florida’s natural systems, increasing my confidence in applying that knowledge in real-world settings, and allowing me to connect with new people who share the same passion for nature as much as I do.”
Where is Kristen Today?
Kristen’s journey has brought her back to where it all started! Currently, she is a land manager for Sarasota County’s Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources- Natural Areas and Trails division, where she now manages three county parks. Kristen uses the knowledge she gained in her FMNP courses daily to determine the best management approach to balance resource protection, public access, and safety.
She credits the class for “encouraging me to step outside of my comfort zone and participate in interpretive talks. This experience made me more confident and expanded my professional capabilities, which played a role in landing the position I currently have.”
Kristen also uses the knowledge when she is with friends and family. She enjoys pointing out the nuances of various organisms and how they interact with their habitat. For example, how the shape of a fish’s mouth provides clues as to what and how it eats.
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 more graduate success stories 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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