INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Registration is now underway for the Florida Master Naturalist Program, a natural history training program developed by the University of Florida for adults who wish to know more about Florida’s natural world and ultimately to share this knowledge with others.
Consisting of three core modules, this fall’s module will focus on “Upland Habitats,” and will be taught by ELC Education Director Heather Stapleton and Naturalist Sarah Rhodes-Ondi at the Environmental Learning Center campus off CR 510, mid-way between Vero Beach and Sebastian.
The course will begin on Thursday, Sept. 18, and run through Tuesday, Oct. 28. It will include 40 hours of classroom instruction, guest speakers, field trips to local parks and conservation areas, and practical experience in interpretive techniques. Students who successfully complete all three core modules earn the designation of certified Florida Master Naturalist.
The cost of the program will be $225 for each attendee.
You can register by visiting the website http://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/uh14-22.htm, where you will also find a detailed course schedule. Registration for the program closes at 9 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 15.
The Environmental Learning Center is located north of Vero Beach, off County Road 510, at the western end of the Wabasso Bridge. Its 64-acre campus includes exhibit areas, native plant gardens, picnic facilities, gift shop, and a visitor center. ELC membership benefits, a list of its many field excursions, Ecology Adventures, including nature walks, canoe excursions and other boating adventures may be found at www.DiscoverELC.org.
Admission to the ELC, a non-profit organization, is $5 per person; there is no charge for ELC members and children 12 and under. The first Saturday of every month is free-of-charge for all.