Fort Myers Beach, FL - Learning more about Florida's natural environment now is possible through the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP), a new environment education extension program being offered in partnership with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture 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 environment history.

Training in Florida's wetlands and saltwater coastal systems, the two of three ecosystem modules included in the FMNP, will be available at the Ostego Bay Foundation, Inc. Marine Science Center, and completion of the 40-hour program results in registration in the UF-IFAS Master Naturalist Program database as a FMNP Coastal Systems Naturalist. Additionally, an Upland Habitat module will be available in the future.

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