Coastal Course Description

Southwest Florida Research & Education Center

UF/IFAS Wildlife Ecology
and Conservation

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Florida Master Naturalist Program
-Coastal Systems Module
Course Description

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Summary Statement: Florida Master Naturalist Program students will increase their knowledge of Florida's natural systems, of the plants and animals that depend upon those systems, and of the role of humankind in shaping our past, of determining our future, and as stewards of the land. The objective of the Florida Master Naturalist Program is to prepare persons to share their knowledge with others, to act in a positive manner, to help others feel a greater connection to the land/sea and to help others to develop their own personal environmental ethics. Information on the ecology of Florida's systems is an integral part of the program, but we do not attempt to create experts in botany, herpetology, or any other discipline. Rather, we hope to initiate what is for many a life-long process of learning, of observation, and of sharing with others.

Coastal Systems Module Overview: Through classroom, field trip, and practical experience, this module provides instruction on the general ecology, habitats, vegetation types, wildlife, and conservation issues of Coastal Systems in Florida - Coastal Uplands, Estuarine, and Nearshore Marine Environments. The program also addresses societies role in coastal areas, develops naturalist interpretation skills, and discusses environmental ethics.

The total training consists of 40 contact hours, the scheduling of which will vary among different Instructor Organizations. The only requirements of students are enthusiasm, attendance, and completion of group final projects. Classroom learning includes 4 instructional videos and 12 presentations.

Florida Master Naturalist Program Coastal Systems Video Series:

Coastal Uplands
Coastal Nearshore Marine Environment
Coastal Estuaries
Society and the Coast

Florida Master Naturalist Program Coastal Systems Presentation Series:

General Ecology of Coastal Systems
Marine & Estuarine Habitats
Coastal Waterbirds
Coastal Upland Habitats
Coastal General birds
Coastal Mammals
Coastal Amphibians/Reptiles
Saltwater Fish
Invertebrates I (Corals, Jellyfish, Mollusks, Sea Worms, Tunicates)
Invertebrates II ( Echinoderms, Crustaceans, Insects)
Environmental Ethics·
Naturalist Interpretation

What is the Cost and what will Florida Master Naturalist Students receive?

The cost to students is $225
See www.MasterNaturalist.org for course schedules and registration.
Certificate of Completion and registration in the University of Florida IFAS database for Florida Master Naturalists as FMNP Coastal Naturalist.
FMNP/University of Florida Embroidered Patch and FMNP Coastal lapel pin.
FMNP Student Workbook over 1,000 comprehensive pages on Coastal systems, habitats, plant and animal life, naturalist interpretation, planning, and additional resources and sources of information (Student Workbook becomes property of the student).

What other Florida Master Naturalist Program courses are available?

The FMNP consists of three ecosystem modules. These include Coastal Systems, Freshwater Wetlands, and Upland Habitats. Each module is a stand alone program and graduates of each program are recognized (certificates of achievement, pins) as Coastal, Wetlands, or Upland naturalists. Special recognition for completion of all 3 programs will include a special Florida Master Naturalist certificate and pin.