Master Naturalist Training Begins

9 a.m.-4 p.m. A 40-hour course offered by the UF/IFAS Extension over several dates in multiple locations in Volusia and Flagler counties. Instructors will focus on coastal, estuarine and uplands habitats; coastal plants; and marine invertebrates, birds, mammals, reptiles and fish. Activities will include classroom and field presentations, a boat excursion on the Indian River Lagoon, a tour of the Whitney Lab with a UF researcher, and kayaking in Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area. Class fee: $350 for a PDF copy of the manual; $425 for a printed bound copy. The fee covers educational materials, field trips and classroom sessions. Participants completing the course will receive pins, patches and certificates identifying them as Florida coastal systems naturalists, and will be registered in the UF database as part of the Florida Master Naturalist Program. Register online by 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, at https://tinyurl.com/floridanaturalist. Other class dates are March 28, April 4, April 11, April 14 and April 21. For more information, contact Extension Agent Carolyn Kovacs at 386-822-5778 or c.kovacs@ufl.edu.