FMNP Staff
Dr. Martin Main,
Program Leader
Dr. Main is a Professor and ecologist in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and
Conservation at the University of Florida. Dr. Main began developing the Florida
Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) in 1999 following a 1998 south Florida eco-heritage
workshop. 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." Dr. Main has since contributed to the development
of Master Naturalist programs in many other states and has won dozens of awards,
including the 2005 National Wetlands education and outreach award for his exemplary
work on the FMNP.
Heather L. Ferrand,
Program Coordinator
Acknowledgements
We would like to acknowledge the following University of Florida personnel for their
contributions to the FMNP:
Shelby Sowder, FMNP Conference
Coordinator with the IFAS Office of Conferences and Institutes. Shelby and the OCI
office have worked with the FMNP since the first class launched in 2001. Shelby
ensures that all finances, class logistics, registrations, and course materials
are all in order. Her professionalism and enthusiasm for the FMNP make her invaluable.
Julie Carson, UF/IFAS SWFREC
Media Coordinator. Julie assists with FMNP marketing and media products including
brochures, fliers, displays and the website. She also assists with edits and revisions
to FMNP curriculum.
Buddy Walker, UF/IFAS SWFREC
Webmaster. Buddy developed our first FMNP website and provided development and logistical
support for our current website. He also provides other software support for the
FMNP.
Sylvia Meyer, FMNP Program Assistant. Sylvia assists with the day-to-day
management of the FMNP and is an invaluable asset to the smooth operations of the
program.