I’ve completed the requirements for the Coastal module of the Florida Master Naturalist Program. Since that was my third major module, I am now a certified Florida Master Naturalist!
In August, 2018, I completed the Freshwater module at Circle B Bar Reserve in Polk County. So much fun, and I got to complete a swamp tromp, which involved hiking through a waist deep swamp with the class. I’ve never experienced anything like that, and I hope I’ll get to do it again some time. If you get the change to go, this Polk County site will keep you busy for a full day of hiking and exploring…swamp tromp not included.
In November, 2018, Steve and I completed the Uplands module at Turkey Creek Sanctuary in Brevard County. On the day that I came down with Norovirus, I got to see a scrub jay. Several hours later I was projectile vomiting and begging Steve to take me home. The less said about that the better, but the jay was cool! Turkey Creek Sanctuary is a nice site with great hiking and friendly rangers. The Margaret Hames Nature Center has some nice displays, including a manatee skeleton. Our final project was on native pollinators, and you’ll be reading more about those if you stick with this blog.
Other than the commute, the Coastal module was my favorite. The classroom portion was held on Boca Grande, a small community on beautiful Gasparilla Island, about 3.5 miles from my Eustis home. Just passing over the emerald green and turquoise blue waters under the swing drawbridge was worth the drive. One of my classmates, Heidi, arranged for our small group to meet with a jellyfish expert at Mote Marine Laboratories. That was the high point of the class. After our visit to Mote Marine, we kayaked together. Heidi is a born interpreter, and she led us to a sandbar off Siesta Key where we found small shells, sea lettuce, and mermaid eggs.
Okay. You’re right. There were no mermaid eggs. But it was a terrific afternoon anyway.
Our jellyfish presentation at the final class went well, and we were even able to taste jellyfish. I can’t recommend them as a food source, but they are really interesting critters. I thought we would have difficulty finding 20 minutes worth of material to present, but the difficulty was keeping our presentation under 30 minutes!
Now that I’ve got the Florida Master Naturalist certification completed, I’ll be working on strengthening my interpretation skills so I can share the coolest parts of Florida with you.
Great Launch on your blog. Congratulations on becoming a Naturalist. If this is any Indictation of what’s to come, you’re heading to great success. Congratulations.