Meet Sarah Denison Williams: A Florida Master Naturalist Success Story

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

Meet Sarah Denison Williams

A woman in a life vest paddling a bright blue and green kayak through a blackwater river. — Image credit: Jim Yost.

A native of Florida’s east coast, Sarah Denison Williams has been smitten with the natural world since attending Everglades Youth Conservation Camp (EYCC) in elementary school. This opportunity opened her eyes to Florida’s incredible biodiversity and unique habitats.

She returned to EYCC each summer throughout high school, and progressed from camper to counselor, instructor, and eventually group leader. Her experiences with EYCC inspired her to consider a career involving both people and nature. Keep reading to learn more about Sarah’s path, and how the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) impacted her life!

Sarah’s Educational Journey

Pursuing her goal of bringing people and nature together brought Sarah Denison Williams to Sarasota to attend New College of Florida for an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies. During her degree program, she took a wide variety of environmentally-focused courses and pursued high-level independent studies on edible plants, gopher tortoises, and the impacts of sea level rise. Sarah’s senior thesis focused on the role of the American alligator in the livelihood of Floridians.

While attending New College, Sarah’s mother (whom she credits with great taste!) suggested she look into the Florida Master Naturalist Program. Sarah hesitantly agreed, noting that the program looked “interesting.” Shortly after, she enrolled in the Freshwater Systems module.

“I remember going into the experience thinking I probably didn’t have much more to learn considering my background, but I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and breadth of the course’s content.”

After this positive experience, Sarah quickly completed the Coastal and Upland modules to become a certified Florida Master Naturalist.

FMNP Certification Comes Full Circle

An image of a woman educating a group about a plant while outdoors. — Image credit: Michael Smith.

After completing her degree, Sarah served two rewarding years in the Peace Corps in Jamaica. Sarah then received an invitation from a former supervisor to apply for a position as an education specialist in Manatee County. The hook? Certification as a Florida Master Naturalist was required. Sarah’s mother’s advice turned out to be right in this full circle moment!

Sarah held the position as an education specialist for five years. She coordinated environmental education programs for people of all ages and eventually oversaw three nature centers. During this time, she took both the Habitat Evaluation and Conservation Science modules. Sarah’s employer enthusiastically supported her participation in advanced FMNP courses as valuable professional development. Sarah also completed a Master’s degree in Global Sustainability and Sustainable Tourism.

Making a difference to keep Wild Florida Wild

An image of a woman holding a wildlife collection net along a wetland. — Image credit: Robert Williams.

Sarah now works with Big Waters Land Trust as the community education manager, a position seemingly made for her. Tasked with building the program from scratch, she works across a nine-county area in southwest Florida to create engaging experiences that connect people with nature.

Her programs also help people understand the relationships between land conservation and water quality, wildlife habitat, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and access to nature for all.

Sarah also provides expertise and guest presentations to local FMNP courses and for the Suncoast Friends of the Florida Master Naturalist Program.

What Does Sarah Have to Say About the FMNP?

An image of a woman in a red employee polo and a hat and sunglasses teaching an audience about a concept on a map. — Image credit: Christina Pitchford.

Sarah has incorporated the lessons and experience from the FMNP into everything she does. She feels proud to be a certified Florida Master Naturalist. The program helped her build the knowledge and skills to effectively share her passion for wild Florida with others in a way that really resonates and connects with their values.

“The instructors and guest presenters were all exceptional. The program helped me look more closely at the ‘little things’ – the plants, insects, and such that are often overlooked, and how the little things are connected to the bigger things, like land use and our actions. FMNP certification is a required or desired credential in many job descriptions in this field. As a hiring manager, it’s something I always look for in prospective employees and volunteers. I recommend the FMNP without hesitation, whether you’re pursuing a career in environmental education or simply want to be a better volunteer and advocate for conservation.”

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.