UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension
Master Naturalist Program

"Sarasota County Extension offers the community the educational opportunity of the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) by proividing classes to promote awareness, understanding and protection of Florida's ecology and biodiversity.  In addition, events are offered to specifically introduce residents and visitors to the natural ecosystems protected by Sarasota County, such as the preserves of the Environmentally Sensitive Lands Protection Program and the natural areas parks of the Parks and Recreation.  Completion of the Program also provides certification that can be used for promotional purposes of ecotourism enterprises. 

This Program is accomplished by providing courses involving both classroom and fieldtrip instruction in the upland, wetland and coastal resources of the environment of Florida, in general, and of Sarasota County, in specific.  Guest speakers are typically part of these courses in order to provide local ecological expertise, as well as contact with the land managers of local environmental lands in order to provide students a first hand report of the status of ecological restoration on these sites. 

One important aspect of these courses is the use of science-based information and interpretive techniques to prepare students to share their knowledge with others.  Volunteer opportunities are provided throughout the county for this purposes.  For example, the class project that is required by the students can be designed as a nature walk or educational resource for use at county environmental lands after the course.  By sharing their knowledge with others, students then can participate in community efforts to 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." 

• Course info and listing of classes in Florida
• Schedule of FREE Nature Walks and Events on ESLPP Preserves in Sarasota County