As someone attracted to hiking, camping, and nature, I was interested in this UF extension program developed by the University of Florida. The Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) benefits those interested in learning about Florida's environment. Since I run a nonprofit organization that focuses on the environment and health, I thought this was an excellent opportunity to expand into education programs as a volunteer or even do things like eco-tours.
This month I received a certification in wildlife monitoring. I thoroughly enjoyed this program and learned a great deal. There were great speakers, presentations, educational material, and hands-on learning. The best part was that we went out in the field, which made this program unique! I am excited to share some of the things we learned and this particular topic course's journey below.
We spent sunrise to sundown at the Barrier Island Education Center. As we went over how to monitor sea turtles, we also learned about the barrier island ecosystem and sea turtle nesting habitats.
Pictured above is the diamondback terrapin, a turtle native to the brackish coastal tidal marshes of the eastern and southern United States.
Unfortunately, there are natural threats and human impacts on sea turtles. These eggs were likely found by turtle predators like raccoons, who will dig up nests to devour freshly laid eggs. Other predators include fire ants, crabs, lizards, birds, dogs, coyotes, and ghost crabs.
We went on a 1-mile loop hike through coastal habitats on the Barrier Island Trail. This trail is a lightly trafficked loop with beautiful wildflowers, pollinators, birds, and more. It is open daily from 7 am to dusk (no dogs).
On our hike, we stopped to discuss native plants and little critters we found along the way. These Hermit crabs interact with each other and are often found in large groups.
We spent time in the field with a FrogWatch volunteer, learning how to monitor frogs and toads by ear rather than sight. Frogs play an essential role in human medicine and wetland ecosystems. They are considered indicators of environmental health.
For another hike, we went to Viera Wetlands just as the sun was setting. We searched for alligators, held fireflies, and listens for both bats and frogs.
Did you know that bats are not rodents? The structure of a bat wing is nearly identical to a human hand, and they are the only mammals that fly and do not glide. The best thing about bats is that they eat many mosquitoes, flies, beetles, wasps, and ants. They can eat their body-weight in insects every night!
Then we spent the day at Turkey Creek Sanctuary, taking hikes and listening to various class speakers. I snapped a few images of a green lynx spider on our walk. This spider doesn't use a web to capture its prey. They like to hunt prey on vegetation and flowers and can adjust their body color to match the background. Although they prey on beneficial bugs like butterflies, they could potentially use agricultural pest management, helping manage harmful insects and caterpillars.
We brought out some aggressive Nuthatch birds using a recorded call. Nuthatches will defend their territory throughout the year. They are one of the noisiest woodland birds in the early spring and get their name from the way they crack open seeds.
We have a responsibility to teach children to respect the environment.
“You won’t save what you don’t love, and you can’t love what you don’t know.” -Unknown
There are three core modules: freshwater systems, coastal systems, and upland systems.
There are four special topics: conservation science, environmental interpretation, wildlife monitoring, and habitat evaluation.
To learn more about courses check out the Florida Master Naturalist Program.