Florida Master Naturalist Program

🐦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."

📣 Attention, South Florida Friends! 📣

🐢This Saturday, consider joining FMNP Coastal Systems host site Loggerhead Marinelife Center to participate in their biggest cleanup of the summer: the 4th Annual Plastic Free July Community Action Day! See more details and RSVP here: https://marinelife.org/plastic-free-july/ 🐢

🎙️ The Florida Master Naturalist Program is in the spotlight!

Interested in learning more about Florida's incredible ecosystems while connecting with fellow nature enthusiasts?

The President of the Coast Regional Friends Group of the Florida Master Naturalist Program recently joined WFIT's Coastal Connection to discuss the Florida Master Naturalist Program and the annual scholarship opportunities available to participants.

Take a few minutes to listen to the interview and discover how the program inspires conservation through education, and how it could be the perfect next step in your own naturalist journey.

🎧 Listen here: https://loom.ly/snSZFtk

🌿 Ready to experience the program for yourself? Registration is open for the Environmental Interpretation Module in Brevard County! This 40-hour course combines classroom learning, hands-on activities, and field experiences to help you build the skills to interpret and share Florida's amazing natural resources.

📅 Sept. 25 – Oct. 3, 2026
📍 Brevard County
Learn more and register here: https://loom.ly/j5-n2gw

We hope to see you in class! 💚

Check out this conversation with Dennis Mayo, President of Space Coast Regional Friends Group of the Florida Master Naturalist Program and Advanced Master Naturalist having recently completed all 11 courses! 🥳🤩 (Photo taken by Dennis during a FMNP class field trip)

Dennis shares how their Friends Group promotes conservation through education, and supports future environmental leaders through scholarships for FMNP classes. These scholarships help individuals deepen their understanding of Florida's unique ecosystems while encouraging community engagement and stewardship of our natural resources. Applications are open through September 30. 🌎💚

Learn more and listen to the interview here:
https://www.wfit.org/podcast/coastal-connection/2026-07-09/space-coast-regional-friends-group-offers-scholarships-for-florida-master-naturalist-classes

‼️ Update to July's Freshwater Systems course in Pinellas County Sensing Nature®, LLC! ‼️

We have 8 spots remaining - and we're opening them up to the public! Anyone interested in learning more about Florida's Freshwater ecosystems will take away new skills, knowledge, and connections from this 100% in-person course. Teacher scholarships are still available and more info. can be found here: https://masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/become-a-master-naturalist/scholarships/

View agenda and register today to secure a final spot! https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/fs26-08inperson.php

**Clarification to text on flyer: $100 course cost only applies to recipients of K-12 Teacher Scholarship**

Calling all K-12 Teachers! Next month, there is an opportunity for you to learn more about our Freshwater ecosystems with dream team Sensing Nature®, LLC in Pinellas County. No tests, no grades, just FUN! 🐸

Through classroom, field trip, and practical experience, this course provides instruction on the general ecology, habitats, vegetation types, wildlife, and conservation issues of Freshwater Systems in Florida - Marshes, Swamps, and Permanent Wetlands (Lakes, Rivers, Springs, and Streams). The program also addresses society's role in wetlands, develops naturalist interpretation skills, and discusses environmental ethics. The total training consists of 40 contact hours, which can be applied toward CEU requirements. 🌳

We offer scholarships for K-12 Teachers, lowering course cost to $100! The scholarship application is online & straightforward (details here: https://masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/become-a-master-naturalist/scholarships/). Note - all applications will be reviewed ad hoc for the July course. Get yours submitted today! 🤩

For more information about applying for a scholarship/registering for July, please email Caitlin - [email protected].

Join FMNP Founder, Marty Main, next Tuesday (1 week from today) as we host June's Southeastern Master Naturalist Continuing Education Series Program! 🐸

The webinar takes place via Zoom - registration is free & required to receive Zoom link.

Topic: Coyotes: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Date: Tuesday, June 30th
Time: 7:00-8:00 PM Eastern Time / 6:00-7:00 PM Central Time
Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/53ud2ezu

Dr. Main’s research has been broadly focused on behavioral ecology and human-wildlife conflict, including studies of coyotes, the Florida panther, and jaguars in Central and South America. Hear him discuss more about coyotes in Florida - we hope to see you there! ☀️

Early Fall, Environmental Interpretation, Brevard County Team -- enough said! 😎

Can you inspire others to care about Florida's natural resources?

The Florida Master Naturalist Program's Environmental Interpretation Module is designed for nature enthusiasts, volunteers, educators, guides, and anyone passionate about Florida's environment.

Through classroom learning, hands-on activities, and field experiences, you'll gain the skills to communicate conservation messages and help others connect with Florida's incredible ecosystems.

🗓️ Sept. 25 – Oct. 3, 2026
📍 Brevard County
⏰ Fridays & Saturdays
💲 Starting at $250
Register here: https://loom.ly/j5-n2gw

Space is limited, so reserve your spot today and join us for this immersive 40-hour experience exploring Florida's natural world! 🌿💦🦋