Upcoming 2026 UF FMNP Courses in Pinellas County
Dedicated to teaching the FMNP since 2001!
We offer all of the adult, Florida Master Naturalist Program courses
on a rotational basis.
Each year we offer at least 2 core modules (40-hrs) and 2 special topics (24-hrs).
Our course topics rotate annually throughout the year.
All registration is through the UF/ IFAS website.
No prerequisites; only a desire to learn about natural Florida.
Coastal Systems
March 31; April 7, 14, 21, 28;
& May 5 (Tuesdays)
March 31; April 7, 14, 21, 28;
& May 5 (Tuesdays)
- Registration is now open!
- 40-hour Core Module
- Field Trips are in Pinellas County
- Classroom Site – Mocassin Lake Nature Park, Clearwater
- Seining, Kayaking, Hikes, Beach Ethics, Dune Habitats, and More!
Explore Florida’s Coastline Like Never Before — From Dunes to Dolphins
Discover the dynamic ecosystems that shape Florida’s shores in this immersive Coastal Systems module. Through engaging classroom sessions, field trips, and hands-on experiences, you’ll dive into the ecology, habitats, wildlife, and conservation challenges facing our Coastal Uplands, Estuarine, and Nearshore Marine Environments.
Gain a deeper understanding of coastal biodiversity, explore society’s complex relationship with these fragile areas, and sharpen your naturalist interpretation and communication skills. Whether you're guiding others, managing coastal lands, or just passionate about preserving Florida’s coast—you’ll leave with a new perspective and purpose.
Enrich your connection to Florida’s coast while expanding your ecological knowledge.
Discover the dynamic ecosystems that shape Florida’s shores in this immersive Coastal Systems module. Through engaging classroom sessions, field trips, and hands-on experiences, you’ll dive into the ecology, habitats, wildlife, and conservation challenges facing our Coastal Uplands, Estuarine, and Nearshore Marine Environments.
Gain a deeper understanding of coastal biodiversity, explore society’s complex relationship with these fragile areas, and sharpen your naturalist interpretation and communication skills. Whether you're guiding others, managing coastal lands, or just passionate about preserving Florida’s coast—you’ll leave with a new perspective and purpose.
Enrich your connection to Florida’s coast while expanding your ecological knowledge.
Coastal Shoreline Restoration
May or August - Dates TBD
May or August - Dates TBD
- 24-hour Special Topic
- Field Trips are in Pinellas County
- Classroom Site – TBA
- Registration opens by early March
Through classroom, field trip, and practical experience, this course has been established to help participants understand the importance of natural shorelines and alternatives to seawalls for shoreline protection. Whether you are a concerned citizen, owner/manager of shoreline property, or a volunteer helping on a permitted restoration project, the information provided here will aid in understanding the benefits, process, and option of living shorelines as a coastal shoreline restoration approach.
When emailing, please include that you would like to be added to our "Heads-up registration is open!" list for our Coastal Shoreline Restoration FMNP class. We offer several outreach programs and want to ensure you are placed on the correct notification list.
Wildlife Monitoring
June 23-24 (tentative)
June 23-24 (tentative)
- 24-hour Special Topic
- Field Trips are in Pinellas County
- Classroom Site – TBA
- Registration opens by early March
- 24-hour Special Topic
- Taught by Sensing Nature's FMNP Instructors, Biologists
This course is designed to provide training in principles and commonly used techniques for surveying and monitoring wildlife. People who complete this course will better understand the reasons for monitoring wildlife and the methodologies used to do so. This course includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience and will better equip students to participate in data collection for wildlife monitoring projects. This course will cover surveying and monitoring mammals, birds, and herpetofauna.
When emailing, please include that you would like to be added to our "Heads-up registration is open!" list for our Wildlife Monitoring FMNP class. We offer several outreach programs and want to ensure you are placed on the correct notification list.
Freshwater Systems
Summer 2026
July 7-9, & 14-16 (Tu, W, Th)
Summer 2026
July 7-9, & 14-16 (Tu, W, Th)
- In-person, 40-hour Core Module
- $350-$425
- Formal School Teachers - Contact us; we may have a partial scholarship for you!
- Classroom sessions are in Pinellas with regional Field Trip applications
- Host Site: Pinellas Technical College, Clearwater
- Registration opens mid-March
Through classroom, field trip, and practical experience, this Module provides instruction on the general ecology, habitats, vegetation types, wildlife, and conservation issues of Freshwater Systems in Florida - Marshes, Swamps, and Permanent Wetlands (Lakes, Rivers, Springs, and Streams). The program also addresses society's role in wetlands, develops naturalist interpretation skills, and discusses environmental ethics.
When emailing, please include that you would like to be added to our "Heads-up registration is open!" list for our Freshwater Systems FMNP class. We offer several outreach programs and want to ensure you are placed on the correct notification list.
Environmental Interpretation
August or May - Dates TBD
August or May - Dates TBD
- 24-hour Special Topic
- Field Trips are in Pinellas County
- Classroom Site – TBA
- Registration opens by mid- March
- Develop and polish your communication skills
- Great for professional environmental educators, volunteer docents, ecoguides, tram drivers, program presenters, podcasters, and more!
When emailing, please include that you would like to be added to our "Heads-up registration is open!" list for our Environmental Interpretation FMNP class. We offer several outreach programs and want to ensure you are placed on the correct notification list.
Invasive Plants
Early Winter 2026
December 1, 8, 15 (Tuesdays)
Early Winter 2026
December 1, 8, 15 (Tuesdays)
- 24-hour Special Topic
- Taught by Sensing Nature's FMNP Instructors, Biologists
- Field Trips are in Pinellas County
- Classroom Site (tentative) – Mocassin Lake Nature Park, Clearwater
- Registration opens by mid-March
Fight the Invaders: Learn How to Protect Florida’s Wild Spaces
Invasive plants are quietly transforming Florida’s natural landscapes—but you can be part of the solution. This course dives into the how and why of invasive plant threats, exploring their impact on native biodiversity, ecosystem health, and what we can do to stop them.
You'll gain practical, science-based knowledge to identify problem species, understand their ecological effects, and become an advocate for Florida’s native habitats. Whether you're managing land, teaching others, or simply passionate about protecting the real Florida—this course equips you to make a difference.
Invasive plants are quietly transforming Florida’s natural landscapes—but you can be part of the solution. This course dives into the how and why of invasive plant threats, exploring their impact on native biodiversity, ecosystem health, and what we can do to stop them.
You'll gain practical, science-based knowledge to identify problem species, understand their ecological effects, and become an advocate for Florida’s native habitats. Whether you're managing land, teaching others, or simply passionate about protecting the real Florida—this course equips you to make a difference.
Marine Habitat Restoration
Tentative for 2026
Tentative for 2026
- 24-hour Special Topic
- Taught by Sensing Nature's FMNP Instructors, Biologists
- Field Trips & Classroom Sessions
- Sign-up for our email newsletter for updates about this class!
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