Florida Master Naturalist Program – Coastal Systems Course
Hybrid Class with Field Experiences
- March 21 to April 11, 2026
- Registration closes March 16, 2025 at 10:00 am
- Course Code: cs26-03
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Overview
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium hosts a hybrid Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) course exploring Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems. Designed for adult learners, this course blends in-person instruction, live Zoom sessions, and immersive field trips across Sarasota, Longboat Key, and Englewood.
Fees
• $350: PDF manual
• $425: PDF + printed color manual
Enthusiasm, attendance, and a small-group final project are the only requirements.
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Format & Location
Hybrid model: In-person classes, live online sessions via Zoom, and independent work.
In-person classes are held at:
Mote Marine Laboratory
Keating Marine Science Education Building, Room 315
1599 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236
Free parking. Building marked by a large blue octopus mural.
Instructor
Jason Robertshaw
Program Manager for Virtual Learning
endlessoceans@mote.org | 941-388-2904 | mote.org
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Field Trips
This course emphasizes hands-on learning through five guided field trips.
Field Trip 1: Estuarine Environments
March 21, 1:00–3:00 pm
Sarasota Baywalk and Quick Point Nature Preserve
Field Trip 2: Beach & Dune Systems
March 28, 9:00–11:30 am
North Lido Beach Park
Field Trip 3: Beach & Dune Systems
March 28, 1:30–3:30 pm
Mote Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital, Ken Thompson Park, Save Our Seabirds
Field Trip 4: Upland Environments
April 4, 9:00 am–1:00 pm
Cedar Point Environmental Park, Englewood
Field Trip 5: Nearshore Environments
April 11, 1:30–3:00 pm
Seagrass dip-netting at Mote Marine Laboratory
Transportation and meals are not included. Review field attire guidelines at mote.org/experiences/what-to-wear-and-bring-to-field-programs.
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In-Class Learning
For In-class Learning, we will meet on Saturdays at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Keating Marine Science Education Building, Room 315 (1599 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota). Course topics include coastal ecology, species groups, interpretation, conservation ethics, and human impacts.
Online Learning via Zoom
For Online Learning, we will meet over Zoom on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons between 3:00–6:00pm. To participate live online via Zoom, you will need the latest version of Zoom and make sure you can use it: https://zoom.us/download; have a reliable internet connection; speaker/microphone (or headset); and a web camera. Online sessions feature presentations, videos, guest speakers, and group project work.
Attendance Requirements
FMNP requires 40 contact hours. Up to 8 hours may be made up with instructor-approved assignments. More than 8 hours missed prevents certification. Participants are expected to be prepared, respectful, and engaged.
Final Day
April 11 includes group project presentations (required), a Coastal Potluck lunch, graduation activities, and the final nearshore field trip.
Registration
Learn more and register at: https://conference.ifas.ufl.edu/fmnp/cs26-03hybrid.php
