{"id":3563,"date":"2024-03-11T15:46:13","date_gmt":"2024-03-11T19:46:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mote.org\/?page_id=3563"},"modified":"2025-10-15T16:04:09","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T20:04:09","slug":"sarasota-florida-master-naturalist-program","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mote.org\/education\/programs\/sarasota-florida-master-naturalist-program\/","title":{"rendered":"Florida Master Naturalist Program (Sarasota)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3566 alignright lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 150px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 150\/196;font-size: 1.8rem; letter-spacing: 0.32px;\" data-src=\"https:\/\/mote.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/fmnp-logo.png\" alt=\"Florida Master Naturalist Program and University of Florida IFAS logos\" width=\"150\" height=\"196\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Overview<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu\/\">The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP)<\/a>\u00a0is an adult education program from the University of Florida\u2019s UF\/IFAS Extension, offered through partner organizations like Mote Marine Laboratory.<\/p>\n<p>This program is designed to help participants foster a deeper connection to Florida\u2019s natural environments, land and sea, and to share that connection with others in a positive, meaningful way. While the FMNP provides rich ecological information, its primary goal is not to create subject-matter experts. Instead, it encourages a lifelong journey of learning, observation, and environmental stewardship.<\/p>\n<p>Participants explore Florida\u2019s diverse natural systems, discover the plants and animals that depend on them, and consider the important role humans play in preserving our environment.<\/p>\n<h3>Who Should Attend<\/h3>\n<p>The program is open to adults aged 18 and older who are interested in learning more about Florida\u2019s environment. Ideal participants include environmental educators, natural resource managers, eco-tour guides, volunteers, teachers (CEUs and in-service credit may be available), and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Florida\u2019s natural world.<\/p>\n<h3>Instruction\/requirements<\/h3>\n<p>Each core course includes 40 contact hours. Students are expected to meet attendance requirements, complete all assignments, and bring a spirit of curiosity and enthusiasm. Courses include a mix of classroom presentations, educational videos, field experiences, supplemental assignments, and a final project.<\/p>\n<h4>Contact<\/h4>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type: none; padding-left: 0;\">\n<li>Jason Robertshaw, Lifelong Learning Programs Manager<\/li>\n<li><i class=\"fa-light fa-envelope\"><\/i> Email: <a href=\"mailto:endlessoceans@mote.org\">endlessoceans@mote.org<\/a><\/li>\n<li><i class=\"fa-light fa-phone\"><\/i> Call: 941-388-2904<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Upcoming Courses<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>In general, Mote offers the <strong>Coastal Systems Module between March\u2013May<\/strong> and the <strong>Freshwater Systems Module between August\u2013September<\/strong>. Check the <a href=\"https:\/\/conference.ifas.ufl.edu\/fmnp\/\">FMNP website<\/a> for upcoming availability from Mote and all other FMNP organizations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Course Policies<\/h2>\n<h3>Attendance<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>You cannot miss more than 8 hours (20% of the 40 contact hours) This is a FMNP policy and cannot be modified by the Instructor.<\/li>\n<li>To receive certification, the 8 hours or less missed must be made up by completing an assignment of equal time and content. Approval of the Instructor is required.<\/li>\n<li>If total hours missed exceeds 8 hours, certification is not possible regardless of material made up.<\/li>\n<li>All absences should be discussed with the instructor in advance. In case of emergencies, please notify Instructor as soon as possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Cancellation<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/conference.ifas.ufl.edu\/fmnp\/info.html\">Visit the FMNP website<\/a> for the latest cancellation information and additional details.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overview The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP)\u00a0is an adult education program from the University of Florida\u2019s UF\/IFAS Extension, offered through partner organizations like Mote Marine Laboratory. 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