Florida Master Naturalist Program

‼️ Update to July's Freshwater Systems course in Pinellas County Sensing Nature®, LLC! ‼️

We have 8 spots remaining - and we're opening them up to the public! Anyone interested in learning more about Florida's Freshwater ecosystems will take away new skills, knowledge, and connections from this 100% in-person course. Teacher scholarships are still available and more info. can be found here: https://masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/become-a-master-naturalist/scholarships/

View agenda and register today to secure a final spot! https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/fs26-08inperson.php

**Clarification to text on flyer: $100 course cost only applies to recipients of K-12 Teacher Scholarship**

Calling all K-12 Teachers! Next month, there is an opportunity for you to learn more about our Freshwater ecosystems with dream team Sensing Nature®, LLC in Pinellas County. No tests, no grades, just FUN! 🐸

Through classroom, field trip, and practical experience, this course provides instruction on the general ecology, habitats, vegetation types, wildlife, and conservation issues of Freshwater Systems in Florida - Marshes, Swamps, and Permanent Wetlands (Lakes, Rivers, Springs, and Streams). The program also addresses society's role in wetlands, develops naturalist interpretation skills, and discusses environmental ethics. The total training consists of 40 contact hours, which can be applied toward CEU requirements. 🌳

We offer scholarships for K-12 Teachers, lowering course cost to $100! The scholarship application is online & straightforward (details here: https://masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/become-a-master-naturalist/scholarships/). Note - all applications will be reviewed ad hoc for the July course. Get yours submitted today! 🤩

For more information about applying for a scholarship/registering for July, please email Caitlin - [email protected].

Join FMNP Founder, Marty Main, next Tuesday (1 week from today) as we host June's Southeastern Master Naturalist Continuing Education Series Program! 🐸

The webinar takes place via Zoom - registration is free & required to receive Zoom link.

Topic: Coyotes: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Date: Tuesday, June 30th
Time: 7:00-8:00 PM Eastern Time / 6:00-7:00 PM Central Time
Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/53ud2ezu

Dr. Main’s research has been broadly focused on behavioral ecology and human-wildlife conflict, including studies of coyotes, the Florida panther, and jaguars in Central and South America. Hear him discuss more about coyotes in Florida - we hope to see you there! ☀️

Early Fall, Environmental Interpretation, Brevard County Team -- enough said! 😎

Can you inspire others to care about Florida's natural resources?

The Florida Master Naturalist Program's Environmental Interpretation Module is designed for nature enthusiasts, volunteers, educators, guides, and anyone passionate about Florida's environment.

Through classroom learning, hands-on activities, and field experiences, you'll gain the skills to communicate conservation messages and help others connect with Florida's incredible ecosystems.

🗓️ Sept. 25 – Oct. 3, 2026
📍 Brevard County
⏰ Fridays & Saturdays
💲 Starting at $250
Register here: https://loom.ly/j5-n2gw

Space is limited, so reserve your spot today and join us for this immersive 40-hour experience exploring Florida's natural world! 🌿💦🦋

Calling all K-12 Teachers! Next month, there is an opportunity for you to learn more about our Freshwater ecosystems with dream team Sensing Nature®, LLC in Pinellas County. No tests, no grades, just FUN! 🐸

Through classroom, field trip, and practical experience, this course provides instruction on the general ecology, habitats, vegetation types, wildlife, and conservation issues of Freshwater Systems in Florida - Marshes, Swamps, and Permanent Wetlands (Lakes, Rivers, Springs, and Streams). The program also addresses society's role in wetlands, develops naturalist interpretation skills, and discusses environmental ethics. The total training consists of 40 contact hours, which can be applied toward CEU requirements. 🌳

We offer scholarships for K-12 Teachers, lowering course cost to $100! The scholarship application is online & straightforward (details here: https://masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/become-a-master-naturalist/scholarships/). Note - all applications will be reviewed ad hoc for the July course. Get yours submitted today! 🤩

For more information about applying for a scholarship/registering for July, please email Caitlin - [email protected].

this week introduces "Kristen Sturgeon: A Florida Master Naturalist Success Story" 🦋🐛

Kristen credits the FMNP with advancing her career by helping her step outside her comfort zone, build connections, and ultimately secure her current role as a land manager for Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources. She now applies what she learned in FMNP courses to balance conservation and public access/safety, and shares her knowledge informally with folks daily. 🍄

Check out the blog written by FMNP Instructors from Sarasota County, Katherine Clements & Zahir Ringgold Cordes and FMNP Graduate, Mary Ellen Boelhower. 🐸🐦

Meet Kristen Sturgeon: A Florida Master Naturalist Success Story - UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Email 0 Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Reddit 0 X Linkedin 0 Stumbleupon 0 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....

May's webinar from the Southeast Master Naturalist Continuing Education Series will be a phenomenal program on the Native Azaleas of the Southeast which will be presented by Charlie Andrews of the Azalia Society of America. If you have a fondness for this charismatic native plant, you'll want to tune in to this session at 12pm on May 29th.

Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/OjCCRSTSRuG2RjU385nKWQ

Thank you to the SMNCES Team:

Dr. Wesley Anderson
Josie Davis
Shannon Henderson
Kevin Livingston
Mallory Maher
Dr. Martin Main
Daniel Price
Jacob Williams

Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Southeaster Master Naturalist Continuing Education Series: Native Azaleas of the Southeast. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting. Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: Southeaster Master Naturalist Continuing Education Series: Native Azaleas of the Southeast. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.

🌞 This time last Friday, we were getting ready to kick-off a 'Cheers to 25 Years' event with FMNP grads, instructors, and downtown Ft. Pierce passers-by at Sailfish Brewing Company. Vibes were high, conversation was flowing, and connections were made! Thank you to everyone who donated to the FMNP at this event - and all events this year. 🙌

🌱 One thing about Nature? It brings people together. Our anniversary celebrations this year show the power of community and environmental education in action.

🍄 Stay tuned on FMNP socials this year for more events like this, FMNP course offerings, and other ways to stay involved.

Cheers to 25 Years of the Florida Master Naturalist Program !

Our Community Engagement Coordinators, Caleta Scott and Heather Stapleton, are pictured with creator, THE Dr. Marty Main.

Why’d he do it?

“He realized the great need for a professional development education program on Florida's natural history. "I believe that most people are genuinely interested and concerned about nature, and that as they learn more, their level of interest and concern increases. I was surprised, however, at the tremendous response to the FMNP, which I think is a very good indication that Floridians will work hard to ensure healthy environments, clean water, and diverse wildlife are available for future generations to enjoy."

🙌 Thanks to all Floridians who have taken courses AND to those who will!