The Florida Master Naturalist Program National Workshop
Sharing a Successful Model for Statewide Environmental Education Outreach Programs

October 25-27, 2004 (Optional Field Trip 10/28/04)

Agenda

Overview

The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is an adult environmental education program developed by the University of Florida IFAS. FMNP training benefits persons interested in learning more about Florida’s environment, seeking educational contact hours, or wishing to increase their knowledge for use in education programs as volunteers, employees, and ecotourism guides. The FMNP includes modules in 3 subject areas – Freshwater Wetlands, Coastal Systems, and Upland Habitats. Students receive 40 educational contact hours in each module; including classroom learning, field trips, and practical experience in interpretation. Since September 2001, the FMNP has grown to more than 150 certified instructors, representing 80 organizations in 43 counties throughout Florida. The FMNP has trained more than 1,200 FMNP graduates that have contributed information on Florida’s natural world to a multitude of individuals, schools, communities, state agencies, and professional organizations. We have organized this informative planning workshop to describe the FMNP model to interested out of state groups and to assist them with their naturalist programming.

WHO should attend this workshop?

University extension/outreach specialists and other education professionals, from outside of Florida, interested in developing statewide environmental education programs that are self-sustaining and appeal to both professional and lay audiences.

WHY should you attend this workshop?

The Florida Master Naturalist Program is a self-funded, stand-alone program that has been highly successful in Florida (FMNP Summary 2001-2003). The program generates statewide partnerships, accountability data, and operates on a sustainable fee-structure that allows for program growth and development. The Florida Master Naturalist Program appeals to a wide audience, provides people with information that they want to know and prepares them to share that information with others, and supplements rather than duplicates existing volunteer programs.

This workshop will provide the necessary background and tools to develop successful Master Naturalist programs in other states using the Florida Master Naturalist Program model.

WHAT will this workshop include?

Workshop attendees will learn how the Florida Master Naturalist Program was developed, designed, and implemented (the "model"). FMNP educational materials (student and instructor workbooks, presentations, videos) will be demonstrated, and will be provided to attendees to keep as examples of educational materials they might develop in their states. The workshop will include time devoted to developing strategies, outlines, and plans of action for Master Naturalist programs by all attendees.

Dr. Martin Main, Program Leader, Florida Master Naturalist Program, and University of Florida IFAS Associate Professor will host the workshop. In addition to Dr. Main, guest speakers will include FMNP Instructors and Graduates to provide perspectives on the challenges, rewards, impacts, and successes of teaching and participating in the FMNP.

BENEFITS of the workshop include:

• This workshop will provide a great opportunity to create viable, self-sustaining Master Naturalist programs, such as the FMNP, in other states.
• The FMNP model that will be presented is a cost neutral program that lives beyond the initial cost of development and does not require annual grants for continued operation.
• Attendees will obtain a FMNP curriculum package including educational materials (Workbooks, Presentations, Videos), detailed design and implementation information, and insight from the program Director, Coordinator, Instructors, and students.
• During the workshop, attendees will be assisted in outlining their state Master Naturalist program objectives and will have opportunities to discuss strategies with natural resource educators from around the country.
• Implementation of Master Naturalist Programs leverage educational outreach efforts by captitalizing on expertise among county extension faculty, complementing existing extension programs (e.g., Master Gardener), and by forming external partnerships with environmental/educational organizations.
• Trained Master Naturalists increase state/county outreach programs through volunteerism, which provides contributions to cooperative extension activities, parks and nature centers, schools, and many other outlets, and provides direct financial benefits to local communities and to the state.
• Master Naturalist Programs benefit professionals by providing continuing education and in-service credits for teachers, and by providing a source of trained employees for ecotourism operations, parks, and other natural resource/education organizations.

WHERE: Radisson Suite Resort, Marco Island, Florida

WHEN: October 25-27, 2004 (Optional Field Trip 10/28/04)

Registration: Pre-workshop Online Registration is Closed, if you wish to attend please call
Ginger Allen at 239-658-3400 or email mmain@ufl.edu

Hotel/Transportation Information: click here

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