Programs For Florida
ANROSP promotes awareness and active citizen stewardship of natural resources through science-based education and service programs.
Florida Master Naturalist Program
Website: http://www.masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.eduInformation:
Florida - the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is a statewide environmental education and interpretive training program that prepares graduates to promote awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida's natural world. The FMNP offers training in 3 independent ecosystem modules: Florida's Coastal Systems, Freshwater Wetlands, and Upland Habitats. Each 40-hr. module includes a complete curriculum with 4 videos, 12 presentations, and student and instructor reference workbooks. In addition to classroom education each module includes 3 field trips and has speaking and final project requirements. Each module provides information on ecological processes, habitats, flora and fauna, conservation issues, environmental ethics, and interpretive education techniques. A complete curriculum is being developed for advanced training modules that will address a range of topics.
The FMNP is a University of Florida (UF-IFAS) extension program developed and administered by Dr. Martin Main (Program Leader and Associate Professor) and Ginger Allen (Program Coordinator and Senior Biological Scientist) and taught by a statewide network of 150 environmental educators certified as FMNP instructors that represent 85 organizations in 47 counties. FMNP graduates (approximately 600 per year) include biologists, park rangers, ecotour guides, teachers, and interested citizens among others. FMNP training has assisted graduates in obtaining jobs, pay raises and promotions, CEUs, and volunteer positions. Although volunteer service is not required, FMNP graduates have contributed an average of 12,500 hours of volunteer service per year and this number is growing. The FMNP operates on a fee-based and self-sustaining model. For more information on the FMNP or assistance in developing similar programs see: www.MasterNaturalist.org.
Contact:
Martin Main
Program Leader
University of Florida
2686 State Road 29 N
Immokalee, FL 34142
mmain@ufl.edu
239-658-3400