Looking to enhance your collaboration skills? Discover how at NATA workshop in October

The Natural Areas Training Academy (NATA) is excited to announce that it will host its “Collaborating to Manage Ecosystems” workshop on Wednesday, October 24 and Thursday, October 25 this year at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka. This workshop reflects a hybrid format, requiring both online and in-person participation.

Overview

Instructor Deborah Shelley outlines the effective collaborations within the Wekiva River Basin using Wekiwa Spring as a backdrop.

Formally known as “Working Across Boundaries to Protect Ecosystems”, this workshop strengthens collaboration skills, explains how and when to use working groups, and showcases successful examples of managing natural areas in the context of larger ecosystems. In particular, participants will develop and practice skills in listening and communicating. Moreover, workshop attendees will learn the art of group dynamics moderation and conflict resolution. The first day of the workshop includes a fun field trip to different locations within the Wekiva River Basin, highlighting along the way the approaches suitable for addressing complex threats facing ecosystems. The second day is dedicated to classroom discussion involving tools for working in partnerships and community.

Details

This 2-day workshop will take place at the Youth Camp at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka. Wekiwa Springs is a beautiful state park with pristine sandhill and a second magnitude freshwater spring that empties into the Wekiva River. Not to mention, Congress designated the Wekiva River a National Wild and Scenic River back in 2000. Participants have the option of staying overnight in a rustic cabin amidst longleaf pine trees, turkey oaks, and wiregrass. In addition to the scenic vista, participants often report seeing Sherman’s fox squirrels, white-tailed deer, and even a black bear if they are lucky!

Register

To sign up for this workshop, click here to access the Eventbrite page. Registration ends September 26, 2018, or when capacity is reached. Group rates may be available for an agency registering more than two participants. For more information, email nata@ifas.ufl.edu or call (850)875-7153.

NATA’s Certificate in Natural Areas Management

The “Collaborating to Manage Ecosystems” workshop is one of four core workshops required for those seeking to obtain a Certificate in Natural Areas Management (CNAM). Interested in working towards this certificate? Visit our website for more information! And join our listserv to get workshop announcements sent directly to you!