FLORIDA MASTER NATURALIST PROGRAM
The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) promotes awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida’s natural world among Florida’s citizens and visitors. This program offers 11 different adult education courses provided by participating organizations across the state. FMNP certification benefits individuals interested in learning more about Florida’s environment, seeking educational contact hours, or wishing to increase their knowledge for professional development in natural resources, ecotourism, interpretation, education, or as a volunteer.
What to Expect
- Science-based information
- Guest speakers with local expertise
- A special emphasis on the local ecosystems and land management of Sarasota County
- A behind-the-scenes look at the Sarasota County's efforts to protect our community's natural resources
- Three core courses (40 hours each) provide an overview of Florida’s upland, freshwater, and coastal systems
- Four Land Steward courses (24 hours each) provide a more detailed information and hands-on skills in specific subject areas
- Four Restoration courses (24 hours each) focus on information and experiences in specific ecosystem restoration topics
Courses may be taken in any order, at any location. Certificates awarded for each course completed. Advance certification awarded when all courses in a group are completed.
An Introduction to FMNP
Resources
Florida Master Naturalist Program- FMNP website for registration info and listing of courses in Florida
- FMNP Graduate Success Stories: A blog series about the impact FNMP has on its graduates and their communities
- Sarasota County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program
- Sarasota County Natural Area Parks