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Education

Florida Master Naturalist Program

The Florida Master Naturalist Program is an adult education UF/IFAS Extension program developed by the University of Florida

The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is an adult education program developed by the University of Florida and provided by participating organizations. FMNP training will benefit any 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, ecotourism guides, and others. 

The mission of the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is to promote awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida's natural world among Florida's citizens and visitors.  The FMNP teaches those who teach others about Florida's unique ecosystems and wildlife. FMNP Instructors teach participants about Florida's environment using science-based information and interpretive techniques that prepare participants to share their knowledge with others.  In turn, FMNP graduates share their knowledge and foster principles of sustainability, connectivity, and biodiversity to assist others to understand and respect Florida's natural world as a community to which we all belong. 

FMNP Training, Who Should Participate?

  • Any adult (18 years of age or older) interested in learning more about Florida’s unique natural history
  • Volunteers and employees at parks, nature centers, museums, historical sites, and any facility or organization that provides environmental education programs
  • Ecotour guides and natural resource professionals who wish to enhance their knowledge or programs
  • Teachers and professionals who wish to acquire educational contact hours for continuing education

There are three Core Module classes in the FMNP training program:

• Freshwater Systems
• Coastal Systems
• Upland Habitats

Each core module consists of 40 contact hours of classroom learning, field trips, and practical experience. An interpretive talk and a group project are required.

​Core module attendee fee

$250 Attendee Fee - Includes electronic file (PDF) of manual
$300 Attendee Fee with Color Manual - Includes the PDF and a printed bound copy
 
Upon completion of each module, students will receive FMNP certificates, patches and pins denoting their area of expertise and registration in the online FMNP Graduate Database. Students who have completed all three modules will become Florida Master Naturalists and will receive a plaque, Master Naturalist pin, and registration in the online Master Naturalist Honor Roll Database.

The FMNP also offers additional Special Topics classes, CLICK HERE to access a full description of all FMNP classes.

Upcoming FMNP Classes at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary in Collier County:

  • Freshwater Wetlands Core Module  October 28, 30, November 1, 4, 8, 13, 21, 2024.

Registration for all FMNP classes:
Registration must be done through the University of Florida FMNP registration website.


Learn More

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is one of the participating organizations in the training of Florida Master Naturalists. Training sessions are offered at different times during the year.

For more information about the FMNP training sessions offered at Corkscrew, please contact Sally Stein, Director of Public Programs.

Learn more about the FMNP from the University of Florida FMNP website 

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