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Class Guidelines

Classroom Presentations: “Classroom” means we are at: Pinellas County Extension 12520 Ulmerton Road Largo, Florida 33774

Field Trip Locations & Times may change due to unforeseen circumstances. It is the student’s responsibility to verify field information. Park entrance fees, transportation and lunches are not included.

Course Time Schedule does not include travel time, except between AM & PM classes.

Missing a class or a field trip:

  • You can miss 2 sessions (typically the equivalent of one day) during the course and still become certified as a Freshwater Florida Master Naturalist. You can miss 1 classroom session and 1 field trip.
  • The time and material must be made-up with an instructor’s approval before the material is missed and after the material is made-up.
  • If you miss more than 2 sessions, the University of Florida will not certify you as a naturalist, but please keep coming to as many classes as possible…this is your class.

Make-up period: If you miss a class or a field trip, you must make-up the same material. The make-up time needs to be completed within a week when possible. This will keep you from getting behind, as much of the material builds upon itself.

Student Carpooling is Suggested (up to students to arrange)

Flexible Schedule:

  • The schedule times listed are as close as possible, but we need you to be flexible.
  • We probably will not get out early; however, we may run late. We will try to stick to the listed times, but please arrange your schedule so that the class can be flexible.
  • Course time schedule does not include your travel time (except between AM & PM classes).

Caffeine!
If you enjoy coffee, you may want to bring your own. At this time, we do not have a coffee machine. However, if you enjoy pop, we do have a lovely machine that dispenses it in the Employee’s Lounge

Field Recommendations:

  • Don’t wear perfume/cologne or use perfumed soap/body lotion before going out in the field. This may attract more unwanted buzzing invertebrates known as mosquitoes, midges (no see ‘ems) and flies.
  • There are insects (including mosquitoes), spiders, snakes and alligators in freshwater wetlands. Hopefully, we will see many of these beautiful creatures. Always watch where you are putting your hands and feet. Use your brain before your body.

Suggested field clothes:
Be aware that you will be getting your feet and probably legs wet and muddy on our field trips. For your comfort, always bring a spare change of clothes. Wear: layered clothes, long sleeves and pants, hiking boots or appropriate foot wear for the day’s field trip, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Please wear close-toed shoes. The field trails are not always level, dry or easy to travel. Some type of waterproof hiking boots may be best for most of our field trips. It might be very warm or very cool on our field trips—please, dress accordingly

Suggested field items:
Bring water, snacks, field ID books, notepad and pen, binoculars, insect repellent, towels and a change of clothes (spare shoes/socks/pants/shirt).