Florida Master Naturalist Program

09/06/2026

🌿👀 Once you learn to identify invasive plants, you start seeing them everywhere.

That vine climbing a tree. That shrub lining a parking lot. That plant spreading through a wetland.

The Florida Master Naturalist Program's Palm Beach County Invasive Plants Special Topic Course will teach you how to recognize the species shaping Florida's landscapes, understand their impacts, and contribute to conservation efforts in your own community. 🌱

Through hands-on learning, plant identification challenges, and field exploration, you'll gain skills that transform every outdoor walk into an opportunity for discovery. 🔍🌿

🗓️ October 7-21, 2026
⏰ Registration closes October 1 at 10:00 AM

Click the link for more information and sign up now!
https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/IP26-07hybrid.php

09/04/2026

We are extra excited to share this week's - a podcast interview with Marty and Caitlin!

🎙️ In a new episode of Streaming Science: Boundless Science, go behind the scenes with Dr. Martin “Marty” Main, founder of the Florida Master Naturalist Program, as he reflects on the program’s past, present, and future.

🎧 Curious about the story behind FMNP? Give the episode a listen!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1651813/episodes/19718469

🌿Hosted by Caitlin Robison ( FMNP Program Coordinator), this conversation explores why FMNP was created, how it has evolved over the past 25 years, and how decades of fieldwork, research, and extension experience helped shape the program.

🍄 Dr. Main also shares stories from his career, from filming FMNP videos across Florida to conducting fieldwork in places like Aldabra, Oregon, South Texas, and beyond. Marty reflects on the importance of community, collaboration, and making environmental education accessible.

🫵 And his message for current & future Master Naturalists? You can make a difference! FMNP is about discovering what interests you, connecting with like-minded people, and becoming an emissary for conservation in your own community.

08/27/2026

SEVERAL opportunities to learn with the Broward County FMNP team this Fall! Check out our Events page and website for more info!

08/27/2026

Grab your seat in Sarasota County’s Freshwater Systems course beginning on Sept. 21!

Learn more about this important natural resource and the species that depend on it in our Florida Master Naturalist Program’s Freshwater Systems course.

Register today! https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/fs26-11inperson.php

08/21/2026

‼️There's still time to register for the upcoming Environmental Interpretation course with the UF IFAS Brevard County Extension Service FMNP Instructor team, but registration closes at 10:00 AM on September 21, 2026! ‼️

📚Taking place over two weekends (September 25-26 and October 2-3), this course helps participants develop skills in interpretive presentations, guided interpretive programs, interpretive displays, group management, and environmental interpretation techniques through classroom instruction, field experiences, and hands-on practical activities.

🦋 One previous graduate described the experience as a "super class with interesting lectures from knowledgeable instructors with substantive field trips and projects!" Learn for yourself next month and build practical interpretation skills alongside fellow nature enthusiasts.

🌿Course sessions will be held at the UF/IFAS Extension Brevard County Office, Barrier Island Center at Doc Ehrhart Sanctuary, and Sam's House at Pine Island, providing opportunities to learn and practice interpretation skills in a variety of settings.

👉 View the full agenda and register today: https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/I26-07inperson.php

08/21/2026

🐝 Today and tomorrow, join the Great Southeast Pollinator Census - a six-state citizen-science count run by University of Georgia Extension!

🦋 Each August, thousands of people watch a blooming plant for fifteen minutes and record the insects that visit. Together, those counts build a long-term picture of pollinator health across the Southeast.

🌺 Learn more about how to get involved on their website linked here: https://gsepc.org/

08/16/2026

🌊 Living in South FL? Looking for a way to get in the water as Summer turns to Fall? Want to learn more about conservation efforts in your backyard? Join the FMNP Instructor team with UF / IFAS Extension Miami-Dade County Sea Grant for a Marine Habitat Restoration class starting next month!

🌴This course takes place over 3 weeks (Friday, Sept. 11 -- Friday, Oct. 2) with content presentations via Zoom and field trips in Miami & Homestead. In the words of a previous graduate, "this course gave me insight as to what is being done to turn the tide on habitat destruction and gave positive restoration effort stories to leave me hopeful about the future of our wonderful state."

🔍 View the full agenda and register here today: https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/MR26-02hybrid.php

(Photos taken on field trips during this same course in 2024!)

08/15/2026

🦋 Ready to finish the Summer strong with FMNP?! Secure your spot by THIS THURSDAY in August's final Environmental Interpretation class with the Sensing Nature®, LLC team in Pinellas County, who grads have described as "excellent presenters", "gifted educators", and "incredible instructors going above and beyond."

👣 This course takes place over 3 consecutive days (Monday Aug. 24 -- Wednesday, Aug. 26) and provides graduates with skills to communicate more effectively about the environment through displays and guided programs.

🔍 View the full agenda and register here today: https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/I26-09inperson.php

(Photos from Sensing Nature®, LLC and Friends of Pinellas Master Naturalists)

08/14/2026

🍂 As we welcome the Fall season, FMNP course offerings are ramping back up across the state! New classes and events are continually being added to our socials, creating countless opportunities connect with Florida's diverse ecosystems and like-minded nature lovers!

🌿 Through classroom instruction, field experiences, and practical activities, our courses help participants deepen their understanding of Florida's natural resources while connecting with others who share a passion for the environment.

🔎 Interested in seeing what's available this Fall? Be sure to check our course registration website regularly for the most up-to-date list of classes: https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/

We look forward to learning and exploring with you this season!

Courses are continually added in various locations throughout the year. Visit the Course Locations/Training Partners page to find out when a course may be offered in your area.

07/21/2026

🐦A note from Audubon Florida for Florida Jay Watchers 🐦

"Our 2026 survey season is officially underway!

If you'd like to participate in a survey, please contact the survey lead or site manager listed for the location that interests you. They can also help answer any questions about survey logistics.

You can find the current survey schedule here:: https://www.audubon.org/florida/get-involved/2026-jay-watch-schedule. Most of our sites have set their dates, but I will continue to update with any new dates or changes.

We are especially looking for volunteers to assist with surveys at 📌Halpata Tastanaki Preserve. We are also seeking experienced Jay Watchers - particularly those who have previously led surveys - to help cover new routes at 📌Seminole State Forest, which is participating in Jay Watch for the first time this year.

If you're unable to join a survey this season, or if you'd like to provide additional support, please consider contributing to the Jay Watch Campaign. Donations help cover essential program expenses, including volunteer trainings, survey materials, and our annual appreciation events.

To learn more or make a contribution, visit: Jay Watch – Friends of Lyonia Preserve: https://tinyurl.com/2y8arv95."