County offers master naturalist training
Posted On: September 22, 2020
Environmental enthusiasts can become freshwater systems naturalists by taking a 40-hour course offered by the Volusia County Extension and Environmental Management Division. The online and on-site course will focus on the ecology, habitats, vegetation, wildlife and conservation issues of Florida’s freshwater systems, which include marshes, swamps, springs, lakes and rivers.
Developed by the University of Florida, the non-degree program will be offered from Oct. 7 through Nov. 6. It will include field trips to Blue Spring State Park, Hontoon Island State Park and Longleaf Pine Preserve. Online classes will be offered through Zoom.
Through classroom, field trip and practical experience, participants will learn about Florida’s natural freshwater ecosystems and prepare to share their knowledge with others.
The fee is $245 for PDF copy of the manual, or $295 for a printed bound copy. The fee covers educational materials, field trips and classroom sessions taught by staff. Participants completing the course will receive pins, patches and certificates identifying them as Florida freshwater systems naturalists. They also will be registered in the University of Florida database as Florida Master Naturalist Program freshwater systems naturalists.
Register online by 10 a.m. Oct. 5 at https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/. Class size is limited to 15, and there must be a minimum of 10 registrants.
For m
County offers master naturalist training ore information, contact Extension Agent Kalan Taylor at 386-822-5778 or kagers02@ufl.edu.