Florida Master Naturalist coastal module offered at Calusa Heritage Trail

Do you know how to distinguish one mollusk shell from another and how archaeologists could use information about mollusks to learn about environments of the past? Have you been hoping to learn more about South Florida’s coastal birds? Do you know what lives in a mud flat or what mangroves, oysters and tunicates do for you?
If any of these topics sounds appealing, you may be interested in completing the Florida Master Naturalist Program’s Coastal Systems course being offered at the Randell Research Center’s Calusa Heritage Trail beginning Friday, April 25.
This adult education course, designed by the University of Florida IFAS/Extension, provides instruction on the ecology, habitats and conservation issues of coastal Florida. It also teaches naturalist interpretive skills, environmental ethics and the role of people in shaping our past and determining the future. Classroom learning with hands on activities is enhanced by field trips.
Classes will meet April 25 and 30, May 2, 7, 9, 14 and 16, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The cost is $225, which includes all field trips, over 40 contact hours of instruction, a student workbook and-upon completion-registration in the FMNP database as a Coastal Naturalist. A certificate of achievement, embroidered FMNP patch and FMNP coastal lapel pin are also provided.
The only requirements of students are enthusiasm, attendance and completion of group final projects.
To register, visit the website at: www.masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/ . For more information ,visit the website or call instructor Cindy Bear at 239-283-6168.