The UF/IFAS Extension offices in St. Lucie, Martin and Escambia Counties congratulates the newest graduates of the Florida Master Naturalist Program Coastal Shoreline Restoration course on April 8, 2022.

On Friday April 8, 2022, eighteen students successfully completed the Florida Master Natural Program (FMNP) Coastal Shoreline Restoration Course and were recognized for their achievements. This course was conducted 100% via Zoom with self-directed field trips. Prior to recognition, each student completed data sheets for three site visits to coastal restoration sites throughout Florida and Georgia.

This 24-hr FMNP Coastal Shoreline Restoration Program is designed to provide training in the restoration of living shorelines, oyster reefs, mangroves, and salt marshes, with a focus on ecology, benefits, methods, and monitoring techniques. Students completing this course are better prepared to promote and assist with restoration projects. Coastal Shoreline Restoration includes an introduction to “Living Shorelines” and is divided into three workshops: oyster restoration, mangrove restoration, and salt marsh restoration.

The Florida Master Naturalist Coastal Shoreline Restoration course is one of three 24-hr restoration courses offered by the UF/IFAS. It is a collaborative effort of the UF/IFAS Extension offices in St. Lucie, Martin and Escambia Counties and other partner agencies. In total, students must successfully complete three core courses and four restoration courses to become certified as Advanced Florida Master Naturalists. Details of future course offerings are online at http://masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu

Florida Master Naturalist Program Instructors
Course Lead FMNP Instructor: Ken Gioeli, UF/St Lucie Co Extension Agent
FMNP Associate Instructors: Dr. Vincent Encomio, UF/Martin & St. Lucie County Extension Agent; Carrie Stevenson, UF/Escambia County Extension Agent

Graduating Class:

Megan Berg, Ashley Boyle, Jazmin Calderón, Camille Caldwell, Heather Diekman, Jacqueline Edmiston, Karen Ferguson, Susan Johnston, Jamie King, Martha Lent, Lucy Lock, Karen McLaughlin, Michelle Messick, Hayden Mickley, Blair Morrison, Mark Tomes, Jennifer White, Barb Wyskowski

For additional information, please e-mail Ken Gioeli, UF/IFAS Extension St Lucie County Natural Resources Extension Agent, at ktgioeli@ufl.edu.

The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With offices in each of Florida’s 67 counties, UF/IFAS Extension works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.

UF/IFAS Extension programs are open to all persons without regard to race, color, sexual orientation, sex, age, disability, religion, or national origin.

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