Our next Master Naturalist Class will be offered in the fall of 2010! 

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Ripple Effect Ecotours, in partnerhip with University of Florida's Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, is now offering the Coastal Module of the Florida Master Naturalist Program.

St. Augustine, FL—Learning more about Florida’s natural environment now is possible through the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP), an environmental education extension program being offered in partnership with the University of Florida-Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF-IFAS) and participating organizations throughout the state. The FMNP both informs and prepares persons to share information about Florida’s natural world and environmental history.

Training in Florida’s Coastal systems, the second of three ecosystem modules included in the FMNP, will be available at the Whitney Laboratory in the town of Marineland, and completion of the 40-hour program results in registration in the UF-IFAS Master Naturalist Program database as a FMNP Coastal Systems Naturalist.

The FMNP is not a degree-seeking program. The program is appropriate for both the novice and the highly skilled environmental professional.

Certified FMNP Provider: Ripple Effect Ecotours:  Chris Kelley, Danny Lippi, and Joe Woodbury will be instructing the class with guest speakers including Jose Nunez from the Whitney Lab.

Course Dates: Start on Monday, February 8th and runs every Monday and Friday from 9:00am to 4:30pm with graduation on February 26th.  Register online at www.MasterNaturalist.org, and click on “Course Offerings” for specific class times.

Cost: $225, which includes all field trips, 40 contact hours of instruction, a comprehensive student reference workbook, and, upon completion, registration in the UF FMNP database as a Coastal Naturalist. A UF-IFAS certificate of achievement, embroidered FMNP patch, and FMNP Coastal lapel pin also will be provided at completion.

Program: Training for the Coastal System Module includes classroom instruction, field trips, and practical interpretive experience related to the general ecology, habitats, vegetation types, wildlife, and conservation issues of Coastal areas in Florida, which include marine and estuarine, and coastal uplands. In addition, the program addresses the role of society in coastal conservation, develops naturalist interpretation skills, and discusses environmental ethics.

Target Audience: Volunteers and staff members of nature centers, preserves, sanctuaries, and other environmental education facilities. Ecotourism operators and guides, teachers seeking opportunities for environmental educational contact hours, and anyone who has an enthusiastic interest in learning more about Florida’s environment is encouraged to participate.

For more information about the Coastal System Module training or about the FMNP in general, contact Ripple Effect Ecotours at (904)347-1565  or log on to the official FMNP Web site at www.MasterNaturalist.org.

Day 1 (Monday, February 8, 2010)
9:00am-4:30pm
Introductions
Classroom Presentation-Coastal Systems Ecology
Lunch 12:00-12:30pm
Classroom Presentation-Interpretation
Field Trip to the Marineland Dolphin Conservation Center

Day 2 (Friday, February 12, 2010
9:00am-4:30pm
9:00am-12:30pm Field Trip-Kayak Tour with Ripple Effect Ecotours from the Whitney Lab to the Princess Place Preserve
12:30-1:00pm Lunch
Classroom Presentation-Marine and Estuarine Systems

Day 3 (Monday, February 15)
9:00am-4:30pm
Classroom Presentation-Coastal Uplands and Birds
Lunch 11:30am-12:00pm
12:00pm-4:30pm Field Trip-Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

Day 4 (Friday, February 19, 2010)
9:00am-4:30pm
Classroom Presentation- Invertebrates, Fish, and Reptiles
Lunch 12:00-12:30pm
Field Trip-Center for Marine Studies at the Whitney Laboratory and Dune Habitat

Day 5 (Monday, February 22, 2010)
9:00am-4:30pm
Classroom Presentation-Mammals and Ethics
Lunch 12:00-12:30pm
Final Project Preparations

Day 6 (Friday, February 26, 2010)
9:00am-4:30pm
Final Projects and Graduation Party!

"A little knowledge that acts is worth infinitley more than much knowledge that is idle."  Kahil Gibran

Ripple Effect Ecotour Customer Reviews (6)

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Joan Mathis said:

	It was wonderful!!!!!
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March 29, 2010
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Julie Shutters said:

	Chris and Danny did an outstanding job with the Costal Module. They were informative, supportive, and really pushed us to discovery ourselves and step outside our safety zone and experience life. I have one more module to finish and can't wait!!!
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March 29, 2010
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Laura Gamba said:

	Chris and Danny were extremely informative! I was completely blown away by their knowledge and passion. I can not thank them enough for the experience and education I received. You guys are the best!
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March 29, 2010
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Steve McQueen said:

	I am so happy that I decided to take the FMNP Coastal Module with Ripple Effect. Chris, Danny and Joe were extremely effective at deciminating information in an interesting and engaging way. They were always careful to include relevance in their equation. I now look through a new set of amazed and inquisitive eyes and I'm ready to share what I've learned. Thanks Guys!!
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March 29, 2010
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Peggy Heiser said:

As Vice President of Tourism Development for Flagler County, I am continually searching out opportunites to increase my knowledge about the remarkable natural surroundings we have in Flagler County to enjoy. After taking the FMNP Coastal Module with Ripple Effects under the educational leadership of Chris, Danny and Joe, it was an amazing month of adventure, education and has developed a new passion in myself for ecotourism. This certification will enable me to market this area with increased knowledge and confidence moving forward. Thanks goes out to the crew at Ripple Effects for an incredible journey into the Coastal Systems here in Florida.

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March 31, 2010
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Ed Boardman said:

The combination of holding class at the Whitney Labs and the passionate,fun loving and knowledgeable instructors made my first FMNP module an experience to remember. The approach of Danny, Chris and Joe dispelled my concerns about dry boring lectures as they brought to life the connection that we all share with the beautiful florida coastal systems. Many thanks for your passion and your committment to this program. Ed

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April 07, 2010
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