I am happy to announce that I have completed all three core modules required to become certified as a Florida Master Naturalist. The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is an adult education UF/IFAS Extension program developed by the University of Florida. The program is designed for adults wishing to increase their knowledge of Florida’s environment for use in educational programs, or as guides, volunteers, and other. I found the program to be very enlightening, not only in learning about Florida’s ecology, but also in gaining a better understanding into issues of conservation and what is being done in terms of preservation and restoration. I came away with a better knowledge of the various entities working toward resource or habitat protection. Listening to class discussions I was able to witness differing perspectives on the various ecological and ethical issues we face today as environmentalists. I am looking forward to taking more FMNP courses in the future and applying what I have learned to my own environmental advocacy and volunteer work.
