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

Document Type

Article

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.