The Florida Master Naturalist Program: Creating, Implementing, and Evaluating a Successful Statewide Conservation Education Program

Authors

Martin B. Main, University of Florida IFAS, Immokalee, Florida

Date of this Version

October 2006

Comments

Published in Proceedings, 11th Triennial National Wildlife & Fisheries Extension Specialists Conference, October 14-18, 2006, Big Sky, MT.

Abstract

The Florida Master Naturalist Program is an educational program with a well-developed curriculum that encourages but does not require volunteer service. Its history, development, administration, curriculum, and target audiences are described. It presently consists of three modules: Freshwater Wetlands, Coastal Systems, and Upland Habitats. Considerations regarding program training, how instructors are recruited and selected, and how program impacts are evaluated are summarized.