UF/IFAS Extension Offers Master Naturalist Training
Posted On: February 19, 2025
Environmental enthusiasts can become Florida coastal systems naturalists by taking a 40-hour course offered by the UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County from March 24 to April 21.
The Florida Master Naturalist course, developed by the University of Florida, will meet from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 24 and 28 and April 4, 11, 14, and 21 in multiple locations in Volusia and Flagler counties. Instructors will focus on coastal, estuarine, and uplands habitats; coastal plants; and marine invertebrates, birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish. Activities will include classroom and field presentations, a boat excursion on the Indian River Lagoon, a tour of the Whitney Lab with a UF researcher, and kayaking in Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area.
The fee is $350 for a PDF copy of the manual or $425 for a printed bound copy. The fee covers educational materials, field trips and classroom sessions. Participants completing the course will receive pins, patches, and certificates identifying them as Florida coastal systems naturalists. They also will be registered in the UF database as part of the Florida Master Naturalist Program.
Register online by 10 a.m. March 19 at https://tinyurl.com/floridanaturalist. Class size is limited to 15, and there must be a minimum of 10 registrants.
For more information, contact Extension Agent Carolyn Kovacs at 386-822-5778 or c.kovacs@ufl.edu.
The UF/IFAS Extension Volusia County is a partnership with state, federal, and county governments for the purpose of providing scientific knowledge and expertise to the public.
