Florida Master Naturalist Courses – Learn about Florida!

Florida’s natural world is an amazing place. Florida is known for beautiful beaches and coastal waters, but Florida nature has much more to offer. Nearly 200 species of birds are known to nest in Florida and more than that number visit or winter in Florida during migration. There are bears, bobcats, coyotes, and lions (well, mountain lions) that we call the Florida panther. There are ancient swamps with rare orchids and air plants (i.e., bromeliads). Rivers with sturgeon and other rare species. Crystal springs, including more 1st magnitude springs than found anywhere else on the planet. Our climate supports tropical plants in the Florida Keys, subtropical plants in south Florida, and temperate species in north Florida – with rare and endangered plants throughout the state. We even have ancient dune systems with desert conditions that we call scrub, which support a long list of rare species including the endemic Florida Scrub Jay.

I could go on, but why not explore some of this yourself? Take the opportunity to learn about Florida and its remarkable natural habitats, the plants and animals that live here, and the conservation issues they face by enrolling in a Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) course. FMNP courses are available to all adults 18 and over and can meet many different needs. It can be a program for self-discovery and personal growth, for professional development and resume building, or for recreation and social engagement. The reasons people take FMNP courses and how they use the information are as varied as the plants and wildlife you will learn about. But everyone has one thing in common, which is to learn about and gain respect for Florida’s natural world. What you learn will enable you to share your knowledge and enthusiasm for nature with others, whether they be your friends and neighbors, children or grandchildren, or people in the classroom or on the trail.

Information about currently available courses, including detailed course agendas specifying dates for meetings and field trips and other information is posted on the FMNP website. There is also information on course format (in-person, online, hybrid). For example, hybrid courses have online presentations and in-person field trips, whereas 100% online courses have self-directed field trips with online discussion. Note that new courses may be added at any time anywhere in the state and that opening a course link on the website does not commit you to registration.
• Current course listings and registration information: FMNP Current Courses
• Information about FMNP course content, scholarship applications, Friends Groups, and requirements/ how to apply to become an FMNP instructor: www.MasterNaturalist.org

Join us!
Marty Main, Program Founder and Leader, Florida Master Naturalist Program
Caitlin Robison, Program Coordinator (fmnpcoordinator@gmail.com)

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Posted: June 6, 2023


Category: Coasts & Marine, Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, Natural Resources, Professional Development, Recreation, Water, Wildlife
Tags: Conservation, Florida Master Naturalist Program, Natural Resources


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