Graduates of the FMNP have contributed in large and small ways to environmental awareness in Florida. The ripple effect that has spread from FMNP Instructors to FMNP Graduates, and from their to school groups, family and friends, neighbors and communities is helping many to reconnect with nature.
FMNP training has been instrumental in these contributions, and has opened new opportunities for many FMNP Graduate, both professional and personal. We have provided a collection of comments and success stories contributed by Graduates of the FMNP and encourage FMNP Graduates to share their own comments and success stories on this web site.
"Taking the FMNP has been a great way for me to continue study in my
specialization. It's helped me in the renewal of my teaching
certification and it has made me much more aware of my natural
environment. FMNP training has especially been instrumental in providing
me with the knowledge and resources to work more as an advocate for
environmental education in my local government. The information I have
gained is of tremendous help to me in the Parks & Recreation Advisory
Committee that I now serve on in my community. FMNP training has made me
a more effective citizen in my community."
“The FMNP experience opened my eyes to how much I
love and enjoy nature - and that I wanted to learn more. The people
in the course were very intelligent with beautiful spirits. It was
the best class I ever took!”
“This class pushed me to volunteer. I met some good
people in environmental education (EE) and recently accepted a job
in EE at Ding Darling NWR…I guess I owe it to the class.”
“Participation in the FMNP resulted in a more
focused job effort…resulting in a promotion to education
specialist.”
“I got a new job because of the FMNP final project.
It was great to meet others interested in nature. Pinellas county
staff are great, so were fellow students”.
“After FMNP I began volunteering with a local
environmental organization and D.E.P. After 4 months I was hired by
DEP for environmental edcuation and Community Outreach for the east
coast region”.
“Participation in the FMNP has both reinforced and
renewed my commitment to excellence in my present position as
Environmental Technician, City of Lakeland…”
“FMNP assisted me in becoming a JASON argonaut on
the 2003 expedition with Robert Ballard.”
“I was offered a position at Trout Lake Nature
Center…FMNP was a factor.”
“My personal enjoyment of outdoor experiences were
enhanced, and I am now a candidate for an ECO tour guide position.”
“The FMNP qualified me as a docent for children’s
education programs at a nature Center.”
“After FMNP training I was asked to take on a
volunteer naturalist position with the Indian Guides YMCA Program.”
“This class (FMNP) helped tremendously with my job,
I now feel strong about wetland information.”
“FMNP has broadened my knowledge and expanded my
thinking, which I passed on to my fellow rangers and park visitors;
I have teamed up with a FMNP instructor to offer river field trips
for future FMNP classes.”
“Already a Master Gardener and Florida Yards and
Neighborhoods advisor, I used FMNP information to enhance the
development of a demonstration landscape for Busch Wildlife
Sanctuary.”
“I became a site steward for The Nature
Conservancy’s Henscratch Property. The FMNP increased my self
confidence.”
“After the FMNP, I conducted part of a workshop to
nursing students on the Benefits of Natural Areas to Health
Professionals.”
“The FMNP helped me to obtain a $16,000 grant -
Learn & Serve with Wetland Focus.”
“I’m now considering taking formal coursework in
biological sciences. The FMNP helped re-affirm my commitment to
community service.”
“As chairperson for the environmental and grounds
committee for a housing community, I utilized FMNP information and
the Final Project to help develop a planting program for ponds. We
have since sponsored speakers that promote native plants and
xeroscape gardening.”
“I use FMNP information in elementary Science
classes - kids "oohhh, ahhh, and wow " over it.”
“The FMNP was helpful in leading youngsters on
walks – the notebook is a wonderful resource.”
“The (FMNP) course broadened and enhanced my
knowledge base…I have become more assertive and confident…a more
intelligent steward of natural resources and more effective at
fostering stewardship in others.”
“The first FMNP module was delightful, I’m eager to
take the next series and hope to use this program to prepare me to
start volunteering at a conservation organization.”
