Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

Calling all FMNP Graduates:

Talk Nature With Me! By Shelly Johnson and Mark Prynoski

Often, people interested in learning about natural resources will seek out nature-oriented events (e.g., festivals, parks, guided hikes, etc.), but how do we share our passion with those that DON’T seek out such events?

The first goal of the talk nature with me program is to engage with the people in our community that may not specifically seek nature-oriented events; we achieve this by going to places in our community where people already are (rather than waiting for them to come to us!).

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Talk Nature With Me………………... 1

Biological Control for Brazilian Pepper….. 3

Reading List……………………….................. 5

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve…….................. 5

3rd Annual Honey Extraction………….….. 7

FMNP Photo Contest Winners……............. 8

Impact Story- Alana Wood...........................10

Spotlight on Megan Ellis…………………. 12

Advisory Board Spotlight: Jeanne Murphy15

Look, Listen, but don’t Feed….…........….. 17 Earth to Florida Listserv……………......….. 19

The FMNP Advisory Board is FABulous!.... 19

News from the FMNP Office........................ 21

Community Science Opportunities……… 22 Volunteer Opportunities…………………... 23

Events…………….…………………..……….23

Current Course Offerings………………… 25

FLORIDA MASTER NATURALIST PROGRAM

| FALL 2019 NEWSLETTER |

https://www.linke FMNP Newsletter was designed, compiled, and edited by Haley Hanson and She!y Johnson

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

The second goal is to provide an opportunity for our community to interact with someone that appreciates natural resources (as crazy as it may sound, some folks might not know anyone that appreciates nature!). Most participants of the Florida Master Naturalist Program have a passion, interest, and experience with nature in Florida; this program simply provides an opportunity for you to casually chat with your community and share your passion.

The FMNP State Office will help you organize a 1-day talk nature with me event in your town. We need a few more event locations for Sept, Oct, and Nov. Please contact shelly.johnson@ufl.edu if you and some master naturalist friends are interested!

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On Saturday, June 8, the Space Coast Friends Group held Talk Nature With Me in Brevard. Below is the experience from the perspective of one “naturalist” volunteer, Mark Prynoski; Past President, Space Coast Regional FMNP Friends Group:

A group of us met several weeks before and decided on dates that would not conflict with other events and a list of possible venues. Deb Heystek volunteered to contact the venues. With the assistance of Shelly Johnson and Katie Stofer (our mentors at UF), Deb narrowed down the venues to three and selected a date that would allow Shelly and Katie to attend. Deb contacted the three venues for their approval, and they were all enthusiastic about sponsoring us.

A week before the event, Shelly and Katie provided us with signage to post at each venue in order to announcement the event in advance, as well as a social media advertisement to share on our local Friends Group Facebook page and the social media pages of the venues.

On the day, we set up at three venues: 2 volunteers at a public l ib ra r y f rom 1 -3pm, 2 volunteers at a coffee shop café from 2-4pm, and 2 volunteers at a local brewery from 3-5pm. Shelly and Katie provided large

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Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

signs for our tables and large button for our shirts to encourage conversations.

Each pair of “naturalist” volunteers staffed each location for two hours with hopes of striking up conversations with curious patrons. Our objective was to reach out to people who might not normally visit our sanctuaries or environmentally themed events. Our actual experience was a little disappointing, but, in retrospect, not entirely surprising. If my count is correct, we got exactly one conversation going at each venue.

Lessons learned: The patrons at the venues were clearly “regulars”, and we were unexpectedly in their space. They may not have known what to make of us and were reluctant to ask. We concluded that it may be required of us to instigate some of the conversation and bring fun interesting props to entice curiosity. I encourage other FMNP Friend Groups to host their own Talk Nature With Me! events so that we can share our experiences and learn from each other.

RELEASED: Biological Control for Brazilian Pepper A biological control insect has been released in Florida for Brazilian pepper. The program is available

to public land managers who have Brazilian pepper on their property. See below for more information:

“Summary of Research to Date”,

provided by Dr. Greg Wheeler, Research

Entomologist, USDA ARS

Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolia, a relative of poison ivy, is one of the most dama g ing inva s ive weeds of agricultural and natural areas of Florida, Hawaii, and

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Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

Texas (USA). Traditional control methods have failed to keep up with the spread of this invasive weed. Biological control presents an environmentally safe and cost-effective control method for invasive populations of this weed. USDA research discovered biological controls specific to this weed that will be safe and effective. Release of these agents has been delayed by regulatory procedures that have been underway since 2014.

The US Fish and Wildlife Service identified Brazilian peppertree as one of the most significant non-indigenous species currently impacting federally-listed threatened and endangered native plants throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Brazilian peppertree causes allergic reactions and respiratory illness in sensitive people due to volatiles released by the leaves, flowers, and fruits. Ingestion of the leaves and fruits can have narcotic and toxic effects in grazing animals and birds

Chemical and mechanical control measures are costly and maintenance programs are required to prevent regrowth. Despite the expenditure of millions of dollars, traditional methods have been unable to stem the invasion of this weed. While these control efforts continue, federal, state, and local land managers expend millions annually while waiting for better control options. Between 2010 and 2011, the Florida state agency (FWC) spent $ 7 million in herbicidal controls. In 2011, the South Florida Water Management District spent $1.7 million to control Brazilian peppertree. These budgets

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Reading List Here are some books to add to your reading list for the next rainy, tropical storm-filled, afternoon. Francis E. “Jack” Putz is a Distinguished Professor of Biology at the University of Florida. I had the honor of taking the graduate course “Ecosystems of Florida” with him several years ago. He is a wealth of knowledge and inspiration on how to “read” the landscape and understand the ecosystem. He wrote the following books which may be of interest (both found at local bookstores and online Amazon).

Finding Home in the Sandy Lands of the South: A Naturalist’s Journey in Florida

By F. E. “Jack” Putz, Distinguished Professor of Biology, University of Florida

Florida’s familiar natural history comes alive in the collection of sixty stories about local plants, animals, and ecological phenomena. With sprinklings of history and culture, the author shares insights about the Spanish moss draping your live oaks and the pocket gophers tunneling in your yard. The subtext for this set of nature essays is the author’s personal struggle to accept Florida and the South as home. The volume h a s s o m e t h i n g f o r readers interested in edible wi ld plants , those who are curious about Tung Blossom Queens, and people w h o s t r u g g l e t o understand Florida’s climate, topography, and fire ecology.

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

would have been larger if resources permitted.

Two biological control species, a thrips (Pseudophilothrips ichini) and psyllid (Calophya latiforceps) have been found to be safe for release following intensive studies conducted by USDA and University of Florida scientists with more than 20 years ’ exper ience conducting such assessments. Pseudophilothrips ichini is ready for release as of July 16, 2019.

Once re lea sed f rom quarant ine and established, these biological control agents will be mass produced throughout the invaded range at no cost. These populations will be self-sustaining, limited only by an abundant weed. Research indicates that both biological agents will reduce growth of plants and spread of the weed population by reducing reproduction.

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research

Reserve By Eric Ziecheck

From Crescent Beach in St. Johns County south to Hammock Beach in Flagler County you will find one of the greatest coastal communities. Many of us live within

the watersheds of this natural treasure, also known as the Matanzas Basin. As the connection of the fresh water and ocean water mix, a sacred creation of life has evolved. This amazing estuary provides dynamic habitats for a tremendous amount of life from the microscopic plankton to the

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Reading List Yaupon Wins: An Ethnobotanical Novella

By F. E. “Jack” Putz, Distinguished Professor of Biology, University of Florida

T h e H o g t o w n e Cooters football team miraculously started to win after adopting a n e l a b o r a t e t e a ceremony as a pre-game ritual. The tea is brewed from yaupon, a local plant that was historically a favorite of Native Americans but little-known and seldom consumed in

modern t imes. The ritual involves chanting in the long-dead language of Timucuan Native Americans and antics adopted from the famous Maori Hakas of New Zealand’s ‘All Black’ rugby team. The Drug Enforcement Agency is investigating, developers of the famous ‘CrocJuice’ sports drink are interested, and coaches of the losing teams are protesting. Readers will find themselves caught up in story of the provider of the tea, a young boy who loves sports and anything Native American. After reading this fast-moving tale, readers might feel themselves compelled to collect yaupon leaves and brew up a cup of tea for themselves.

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

more visible marine life, birds and the many other species of plants and animals. The estuary also provides a buffer for storm surge and sea level rise.

Clam farms are productive, oysters are abundant, and the fish are plentiful if you know where to find them with a hook. This however, is no guarantee. Both Flagler and St. Johns County, past and present, have maintained leadership for a committed vision in protecting this natural treasure. These collaborative efforts have included federal, state and local agencies all working together with reflection for a positive story about our government. We are fortunate for our federal leadership in the designation of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM NERR). Many state agencies such as the Florida State Parks, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and St Johns River Water Management District, as well as county and city departments contribute resources to the GTM NERR.

In the southern boundary of the GTM NERR almost forty-thousand acres are cared for by collaborative efforts. One very special place, surrounded by the GTM NERR and the big blue Atlantic Ocean, is The Town of Marineland. The rich history, natural space and educational adventures provide stimulus for anyone seeking knowledge about the estuary and ocean, as well as enjoying the outdoors. While visiting Marineland you will find a rich array of conservation, stewardship, science and recreation. Learning more about this coastal system is available through the Florida Master Naturalist Program. The Coastal Master Naturalist Course is taught by Ripple Effect EcoTours at the UF Whitney Lab. Danny Lippi, lead instructor, has finished his

master’s degree in Soil and Water Science through UF Graduate Schoo l and ha s incred ib le knowledge to share about this amazing coastal ecology.

Looking throughout the state of Florida, this coastal community is unique in water quality, healthy abundant wildlife and watersheds that are flowing naturally with minimal impact. Living along this coastal community in Flagler and St . Johns Counties ’ provides opportunity for peace, tranquility and love for all life. Our actions

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Location of Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTM NERR) on the northern Atlantic coast of Florida.

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

can find balance and everyone has opportunity to increase their understanding through educational opportunities such as FMNP. All together, the efforts to maintain these expansive natural resources are a great example of the collaborative efforts and collective interests to help provide susta inabi l i ty and res i l iency for coasta l communities.

3rd Annual Honey Extraction

On July 13, Volusia County Friends Group hosted the 3rd Annual Honey Extraction. Guests enjoyed raw honey straight from the frame! All proceeds went to the FMNP Endowment. We thank Volusia County Friends Group and everyone who came out!

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iNaturalist App

What’s it for? iNaturalist helps you identify the plants and animals around you and contribute to citizen science by sharing your observations.

Where do I find it? Take a photo of a plant or animal and upload it to the iNaturalist database through the app. Someone will ID it for you!

Apply your skills

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

FMNP Photo Contest Winners Thank you to everyone who participated in the FMNP 2019 photo contest. We received

over 90 entries across the 4 categories: Fauna, Flora, Florida Landscapes, and People in Florida Nature. The FMNP Program Office had an incredibly hard time picking a winner as we had so many amazing options! We also had our followers on Facebook choose their favorites, as well!

Fauna: FMNP Office Winner (top)- Mia Majetschak; People’s Choice (bottom)- Dayna Miller; Runner-ups (not pictured): Kristen Fonseca, Kevin Georgeson, Kendra Lacey

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From Dayna Mi!er: I’m the director of the nursery at Creature Safe Place in fort pierce... celebrating our

25th anniversary this year. The Bluejay in the picture came to us to be rehabilitated for release. He is one of our many success stories. Sti!, there was something extra special about this Bluejay. He was released

multiple times, yet he kept returning to the nursery. He even brought a mockingbird with him for awhile.

We knew the ca! of the wild would eventua!y be strong enough for a solid release. We are very grateful

that he is now on his true life path.

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

Flora: FMNP Office Winner (left)- Mary Keim; People’s Choice (right)- Dayna Miller; Runner-ups (not pictured): Lisa Rogers & Robert Siegal

Florida Lanscapes : FMNP Office Winner (left)- Eric Pate; People’s Choice (right)- Dayna Miller; Runner-ups (not pictured): Katherine Brundrett & Bill Durkin

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Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

People in Florida Nature: FMNP Office Winner (left)- Gretchen Lindelof; People’s Choice (right)- Ashley Konon; Runner-ups (not pictured): Mia Majetschak & Richard Gainey

What does “Conservation” really mean? Impact Story by FMNP Scholarship Recipient

Alana Wood We love to hear the impacts FMNP is making! The fo!owing was submitted by Alana Wood a$er

receiving one of the FMNP Steve Bass Memorial Scholarships for Environmental Educators. Alana is an Education Specialist at Brevard Zoo, and participates in numerous educational programming for a! ages, Lagoon Quest, and FrogWatch USA. She used her scholarship to enro! in the FMNP Conservation Science course in Brevard County, and wrote to te! about the impact of this course for her:

The Conservation Science course was nothing short of enlightening and advantageous as an education specialist working for Brevard Zoo. Our mission statement is “Wildlife Conservation through Education and Participation,” but when we think of the word “conservation” many (including myself) automatically think of sectioning of f an area to leave untouched by human interference. This course encouraged me to think a little deeper into what conservation really means and the avenues conservationists of all backgrounds and professions must dwell on to make sound decisions, and not all actions are black and white.

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Alana Wood, Education Specialist and Outdoor Program Coordinator at

Brevard Zoo.

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

We focused on ecosystem & diversity preservation through prescribed burn, which is essential for Florida habitat conservation. Visiting the St. Sebastian refuge, our class noted the diversity in two separate areas: one which was regularly burned, and one that wasn’t. Through basic observation, we noticed the fire-maintained area had a much higher diversity of native wildlife of both flora and fauna, whereas the section left to grow had more presence of invasive plant species. We learned a lot about the process of prescribed burns, how they’re done, when and why. One major focus of the St. Sebastian Preserve is their conservation efforts to restore the red cockaded woodpecker, which we were able to see nesting! The conservation of this indicator species could not happen without proper conservation of its habitat, including something “destructive” like fire. Sometimes we must think outside our ‘safe bubble’ of what seems right to understand the science behind what is right.

Months prior to registering for this course, I was contacted by the FMNP class instructors to see if Brevard Zoo would be willing to host the class for a day. As leaders in our community for wildlife conservation and animal wellness, I happily obliged and arranged talks with our various departments. Little did I know I would receive a scholarship to take the course as well. When I initially arranged these talks, I gave a brief description about the goals of the course but left the presentations entirely up the department speakers, so I was not aware about the details of their talks until I witnessed them. I learned a lot about the different departments and the history of zoo conservation I was not aware of prior.

Our “Zoo Day” involved a presentation from the “Restore Our Shores” Conservation department about coastal restoration and living shorelines, focusing primarily on oysters. As a class we constructed oyster “habitats” that are a part of the Brevard Zoo oyster gardener program to help restore oyster reefs in the Indian River Lagoon. We reviewed the history and success of the project, but how things have shifted in concept and execution due to location and environmental influence. Next, our Sea Turtle Healing Center manager did a talk while we observed her perform medical treatments on two current sea turtle patients under her care. We discussed their threats, why we have the patients at the Zoo, what Brevard Zoo does for the

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Alana (center back) and fe!ow master naturalists making oyster habitat for lagoon restoration.

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

turtles, and simple things we can do to help sea turtles locally. Our final presentation was with two zookeepers about animal wellness and the Species Survival Plan that zoos participate in to help conserve local and international animal species. They did a great talk at Brevard Zoo’s new Florida black bear exhibit, explaining how she could not be released due to humans feeding her when she was found without her mother. They emphasized the importance of leaving wildlife wild, but how facilities, such as zoos and aquariums, are needed and essential to the preservation and conservation of numerous species in peril due to human impact.

I walked away from this course with a bigger appreciation for the complex and integral connections biologists and conservationists must make to help conserve the world and wildlife we live with. I look forward to sharing my knowledge with the thousands of students I connect with each year teaching education programs, leading summer camp and overall sharing my passion for conservation. Our individual actions may seem small and insignificant, but together they are a movement for a better world.

Farewell and many thanks! Spotlight on Megan Ellis

Two years ago, I was wading through a pile of applicants for a “student-work-study” position with the FMNP. My hope was to find an undergraduate student that would show-up, work 8-10 hours a week, and do the simple tasks assigned. What I got instead was a dedicated, hard-working, passionate, and promising young professional. Over the last 2 years, I have witnessed Megan finish her bachelor’s degree and evolve into an exceptional and highly valued team-member. She is well-equipped to promote awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida's natural world. She has been invaluable and although I am sad to lose Megan at the FMNP, I am proud to congratulate her as she moves forward in her career. Below is her farewell spotlight:

Hello everyone! My name is Megan Ellis and it is an honor to be this newsletter’s staf f spotlight. I am from the small town of Live Oak, Florida. I grew up

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Megan exploring the woods with her dog, Jewel.

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

on tree and cattle farms just a skip away from the Suwannee River. In the past five years, I have worked with many species and travelled to beautiful places to learn and work alongside professional biologists, but nothing can compare to my experience working with the Florida Master Naturalist Program.

In 2015, fresh out of high school, I travelled to Ketchikan, Alaska to work with the Youth Conservation Corps and US Forest Service. I ended up working alongside wildlife interns with the Wildlife and Fisheries team. Think salmon, bears, constant rain, and a lot of challenging hikes through the backwoods, and you’ll get an idea of this awesome experience.

That fall, I started at the University of Florida in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and a minor in Forest Resources and Conservation. I held an internship with Alachua Conservation Trust where I learned how to “swamp,” or move debris off a newly created path, and maintain equipment like chainsaws while performing land management tasks. In spring 2016, I started volunteering with Ashton Biological Preserve where I learned how to care for endangered tortoises and dipped my toes into outreach. I worked for a camp in Virginia where I taught the Nature class on my own; the reactions the kids had to everything we experienced and their eagerness for information inspired me. I became an education officer for the UF Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society; I’ve presented at many outreach events—often with the assistance of my “sidekick” Naomi the Boa—and likely talked to thousands of people.

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Ursus americanus floridanus (Florida black bear)

Florida black bear. Photo credit FWC

Taxonomy: Class Mammalia, Order Carnivora, Family Ursidae, the bear family

Range: Throughout Florida and into the southern parts of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi

Identifiers: Large, black-furred animal, usually with tan on the muzzle

Reproduction: Reach sexual maturity at 3-4 years old, breed June-August, experience “delayed implantation”

Habitat: Prefers habitats with dense understories, but can be found in almost every habitat in Florida

Threats : Habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, road mortality

Field Finds

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

In August 2017, I started working part-time for FMNP as a student work-study assistant. When I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in 2018, I received a promotion to Program Assistant. From the beginning, I knew the position with FMNP would allow me to make a difference. Fast forward to today, and I’ve written newsletter articles, created promotional materials, updated and c reated mater i a l fo r manua l s , p ro v ided photographs and artwork for the program, built a database from scratch to store all FMNP class data, attended annual board meetings and outreach events, met many incredible people, and even had the opportunity to take courses. I have enjoyed every experience, learned a ton, and will continue to support the program long after I leave.

One of my favorite projects I’ve had the honor of helping with is the Florida Youth Naturalist Program Field Guide. I was able to create games, illustrations, and background information that people will enjoy and use for years to come. This project really allowed my creative side to soar, and I was able to pull in my own experiences playing different types of games to build some really

exciting material for future students.

In August 2019, I will bid farewell to the Florida Master Naturalist Program and begin working for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as a Landowner Assistant Program Biologist. This wil l honestly be the most bittersweet job transition I’ve experienced. Shelly and Marty are the ecologists I aspire to emulate, and I’m very optimistic about the future of the program as it grows in their hands.

FMNP courses provide opportunities for anyone to learn about nature in Florida and

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She!y Johnson (le$) and Megan E!is (right) going kayaking with the Alachua County FMNP Freshwater

Systems courses in February 2019.

Megan with a red-cockaded woodpecker chick at St. Marks Wildlife Refuge.

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

the professionals, volunteers, and citizen science folks working to conserve it. The knowledge we take away from an FMNP course is a gateway to making a difference in our hometowns, counties, region, and state. Whether you choose to volunteer for a local conservation nonprofit, submit citizen science data to FWC using your phone, attend outreach events to talk to others about nature, relocate a nonvenomous snake from your neighbor’s yard, start a new career path, or talk to your children or grandchildren about what you’ve learned after you take a class, you are influencing conservation in Florida. That is what I love most about FMNP. Like a stone dropped in a pond, this program creates a ripple effect and the people who encounter it carry out the wave.

Advisory Board Spotlight: Jeanne Murphy

Tell us about your background. As a professional wildlife biologist, environmental educator, and co-business owner, I enjoy sharing my appreciation and understanding of the natural world.

My background includes being born in Michigan, growing up in Illinois’s corn country, falling in love with Florida when visiting my snowbird grandparents in Osprey (just down the road from Oscar Scherer State Park), and moving down to Florida after graduating from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Animal Sciences. After relocating to Pinellas County, my career led me around the U.S. ground-truthing wetlands from California to Florida; patching up Florida avian species from hummingbirds to bald eagles; answering thousands of wi ld l i fe - re lated phone ca l l s about an imal identification, how to draw wildlife in / how to kick

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Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper)

Photo by UF/IFAS

Taxonomy: family Vitaceae, the Cocoa-plum family

Range: Eastern and Central North America

Growth form: Flowering, perennial vine

Identifiers: Alternate, palmately compound leaves with 3-5 leaflets and serrate margins

Habitat: Hammocks and floodplain forests

See the USDA plant profile here.

See the UF/IFAS description for horticultural use here.

Field Finds

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

wild l i fe out , expla in ing unexpected wi ld l i f e appearances in to i l e t s , mysterious scat piles in pools, unknown holes in yards, and how to remove invasive exotics to help our native Florida survive.

In 2008, my husband and I s ta r ted our own environmental education and ecotour company, Sensing Nature, which is about sharing natural Florida in a sustainable way with youths, families, and adults all throughout the year.

How did you get involved with the FMNP? I became a UF/IFAS FMNP Lead Instructor in 2001 in Pinellas County, and now my husband and I teach all eight of the FMNP courses annually. I hope my knowledge and passion about our natural systems encourages others to explore the exciting lure of our diverse ecosystems, flora and fauna while instilling the knowledge that we can all make a positive difference in tomorrow’s environmental success.

What is your history of service on the board? I was asked by Dr. Main to serve on the FMNP Advisory Board as Vice President when it first started in 2013 and I was honored to be a part of it. Afterwards, I became the board’s President for two years, and now, I am finishing my current two-year term as Past President.

Why do you support the FMNP? I am an avid supporter of the FMNP, because it makes tomorrow better for natural Florida by empowering passionate people with science-based information that was learned while having fun. The FMNP students, instructors, and admin are such a wonderful group of people; I am a better person for having met them. I continually learn and grow professionally while teaching these courses, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to be a FMNP instructor, and to be a small part of the grassroot changes that the FMNP makes.

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Jeanne Murphy, FMNP Advisory Board Past-President.

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

Tell us something positive about your experience or accomplishments with the FMNP Advisory Board. I value communication and helping others, so while on the board, I have especially enjoyed helping share information with other instructors through the mentoring webinars, and also improving communication about instructor & course expectations through the Course Requirement Checklists. Encouraging new FMNP Friend Groups/chapters to start and helping them with any of their questions has also been one of my favorite initiatives while being on the board.

Is there anything else you want to share with us? Dr. Main is an incredible leader and his foresight that he needed a board to help the FMNP Office was very wise; the board provides input, tackles projects, offers mentoring, relays FMNP history, and supports future initiatives like the FMNP endowment. I think the future of the board and what it can do for the FMNP by supporting the FMNP Office is incredibly positive. I look forward to teaching the FMNP for many more years and seeing the positive changes that the ever-growing FMNP family makes for natural Florida.  

Look, Listen, but don’t Feed By Megan Ellis and Shelly Johnson

For as long as humans have existed, they have interacted with wildlife. Wildlife have provided food, clothing, companionship, and have been feared, worshipped, and adored by many cultures. In recent history, interacting with wildlife in non-consumptive manners has become popular and widespread. Wildlife-based tourism has significant economic, environmental, social, and psychological benefits for humans, but what effects does it have on wildlife?

If you have ever tried to spy on a deer, raccoon, or hawk in your yard, you know just how difficult it can be to observe the behaviors of wildlife without interrupting them. Fleeing, freezing in place, or hiding are instinctive reactions when wildlife feels threatened. If you wait quietly in an obscure location, use binoculars to observe from a distance, or watch from a window, you might have luck at observing natural and undisturbed behaviors.

Sometimes people are tempted to put out food to increase the chance that wildlife will come to a certain place for viewing. One household example of this is a bird feeder placed near a kitchen window. It is generally thought that backyard bird feeders in moderation do not greatly alter the behavior of neighborhood birds. However, there are other instances where it is not acceptable to feed wildlife.

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Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

You have probably seen a “Do not feed the alligators” or “Do not feed the bears” sign in one of Florida’s natural areas. One of the most well-known reasons for signs and laws like these is to reduce wildlife habituation, or the gradual loss of wariness to humans, and the potential to cause human-directed food aggression. It is not uncommon to see food used to attract or deliberately feed wildlife in the tourism industry. Although some guides are well-intentioned, attracting wildlife to an exposed area with food is dangerous for humans and can also increase the animal’s susceptible to hunters or increase their chance of death by automobile, boat, or airplane.

There may be other negative effects of feeding wildlife, including health and altering natural behaviors such as foraging, daily movements, or migration. An animal fed by humans may spend less time foraging and hunting, which may cause their home range size to shrink or influence migration patterns. Food provided by humans may not offer as much nutritional value as natural diets and could cause wildlife to become ill and have an increased risk of predation, disease, and death.

When observing or interacting with wildlife be aware of potential impacts you’re causing and try to reduce them as much as possible. Choose wildlife tourism companies that promote sustainable interactions and observations by following “Leave No Trace” principles and monitoring wildlife responses to visitors. Respect trail and road closures that are meant to give wildlife space or time to recoup from the stress of human visitors. And finally, give wildlife the space they need when you encounter them.

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Deer in the woods; photo credit to Ashley Konon

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

Earth to Florida: UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute Each month, the newly established UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute team curates

Florida’s environmental news with expert insight from scientists and researchers around the state. Be a more informed Floridian. Subscribe today here!

The FMNP Advisory Board is FABulous! The FMNP Advisory Board serves to advise and advocate in support of the Florida

Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) mission of promoting awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida's natural world among Florida's citizens and visitors. The function of the Board is to assist the FMNP Statewide Coordinator and Program Leader to: 1) Identify needs/issues within the FMNP; 2) Advise or recommend on how best to achieve FMNP goals; and, 3) When necessary, to act as advocates for the FMNP and UF/IFAS Extension. The Board is composed of 15 dedicated instructors and graduates that are passionate about the Florida Master Naturalist Program.

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Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

We currently have a vacancy for a Graduate Representative. The minimum requirement is that you are a graduate of the FMNP and willing to participate in our 2-hour meetings held via conference call every other month. As a dedicated member, you are also invited to attend the annual in-person retreat and encouraged to participate on a committee. The Graduate Representative is a 1-year term. Please contact the Statewide Coordinator for more information if you might be interested!

Current FMNP Advisory Board Members are:

OfficersCarol Wyninger, retired/volunteerKatherine Clements, Sarasota CountyChris Verlinde, UF/IFAS Santa Rosa CountyJeanne Murphy, Sensing Nature

FMNP Graduate RepresentativesPaul Lins, Advanced FMNEllen Biella-Saggau, FMN

Board Member from each FMNP Region Cindy Bear, Randall Research CenterRay Bodrey, UF/IFAS Gulf County ExtensionAllan Hallman, FFWCC Roz Kilcollins, Kilcollins ConsultingPam McDonald, Circle B Bar ReserveAmanda Thompson, St. Lucie CountyChad Truxall, Marine Discovery Center

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FMNP Advisory Board members about to paddle Cross Creek during the annual retreat in August

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

News from the FMNP Office – 2020 on the horizon!

FMNP Endowment Fund: Thank you for your ongoing actions to help conserve Florida’s environment so future generations may enjoy it! To ensure we continue inspiring conservation education and action for decades to come, we are aiming to raise $2 million and establish an endowment for a FMNP Program Leader in perpetuity. Please click here if you wish to contribute to the FMNP Endowment Fund, or contact Dr. Main to discuss options for a major gift. To assist in growing the endowment, the program office will be making a few changes for 2020; please see below.

Increase in course registration fees: For all courses with a start date after Jan 1, 2020, registration fees will increase by $20. It’s been a few years since fees have increased and we must compensate for increasing costs and expenditures that occur over time and with inflation. This increase will also allow us to make a small but steady contribution to the endowment fund throughout the year. New course fees will be:

40-hour courses:(Freshwater Systems, Coastal Systems, and Upland Systems)$295 Attendee Fee with Color Manual$250 Attendee Fee with USB Drive$230 Partner Attendee Fee

24-hour courses:(Environmental Interpretation, Conservation Science, Wildlife Monitoring, Habitat Evaluation, Coastal Shoreline Restoration, Marine Habitat Restoration)$195 Attendee Fee with Color Manual$175 Attendee Fee with USB Drive$160 Partner Attendee Fee

Recognition items: For all courses with a start date after Jan 1, 2020, special recognition for completion of all three Master Naturalist core modules (Freshwater Systems, Coastal Systems, and Upland Systems) will include a “Florida Master Naturalist” certificate, a “Master Naturalist” lapel pin, and inclusion in the online “Certified Master Naturalist” Honor Roll Database. Special recognition for completion of all four Land Steward courses (Environmental Interpretation, Conservation Science, Wildlife Monitoring, Habitat Evaluation) will include a “Florida Land Steward” certificate, a “Land Steward” lapel pin, and inclusion in the online “Certified Land Steward” Honor Roll Database. Master Naturalist Certificates and Land Steward Certificates will no longer be framed inside wooden plaques. The resources required to purchase, build, and ship plaques will be used for other program improvements.

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Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

OPPORTUNITIES:Community Science Opportunities

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Observation Citizen Science. There are plenty of opportunities to be a citizen scientist by just sharing what you see and experience when you participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, hunting, biking, bird watching, fishing, boating, photography or sitting in a backyard or on a park bench. The information you provide is valuable, giving our staf f an enhanced, up-to-date picture of the status of Florida’s fish and wildlife. To learn more, click here.

The Community Sponge Restoration program hosts events in partnership with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to provide mitigation for sponge die-offs. Learn more about sponges and our restoration efforts, here. 

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Photo credit to G. Lindelof

Photos by Harbor Branch Oceanographic, Florida Sea Grant, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

Volunteer Opportunities The Florida Keys Water Watch program is a volunteer water quality monitoring program that trains individuals to collect water quality data. For more information, or if you are interested in participating in the program, please contact Shel ly Krueger at 305-292-4501 or shellykrueger@ufl.edu!

Maitland Community Park. Calling all guest speakers! The Maitland Community Park is looking for any wonderful volunteers who would like to give a presentation on a natural topic of their choice. We'd love to have one guest speaker a month starting this fall and we already have a few lined up. Maitland is home to a vibrant community, full of families with young children who would love to learn about the world around them. Please contact Madison Giuntoli at mgiuntoli@itsmymaitland.com if you would like to volunteer or if you have any questions about this program.

Events Florida Wildlife Festival. The purpose of the Florida Wildlife Festival is to increase awareness and promote the safe coexistence of humans and wildlife by fostering community appreciation of the Florida

black bear and other native wildlife species, as well as Florida’s unique ecosystems that serve as wildlife habitat. Saturday, October 19, 2019 at Gwinn Cadwell Park

in Umatilla, FL.

Florida Panther Festival. Make plans to join us for this family-friendly event to celebrate our local wildlife including the endangered Florida panther and make sure to like us on Facebook. Saturday, November 2, 2019 from 9 am to 3 pm at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens (Directions).

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NFLT birdwatching tour at Big Talbot Island

Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

Right Whale Festival. The Right Whale Festival celebrates the annual return of endangered North Atlantic right whales to the warm coastal water of f northeast Florida and Georgia, where they give birth to and nurse their young. With as few as 450 remaining, this family-fun event raises awareness of the threats to right whales and how we can help in their recovery. Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3, 2019 at Main Beach, Fernandina Beach, Florida.

North Florida Land Trust. North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) is a conservation non-profit in northeast Florida protecting over 18,000 acres of unique landscapes and ecosystems. Upcoming events include a guided tour of Spoonbill Pond on the northeast end of Big Talbot Island, one of the best locations in the region for birdwatching, with over 200 species recorded. Birders and nature lovers of all experience levels welcome. We’ll also discuss the role of NFLT in conserving Big

Talbot Island and its importance for birds and other wildlife, as well as the mission of Friends of TISP to support the state parks through outreach, volunteerism, and more. Detail and sign-up here.

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Florida Master Naturalist Program Fall 2019

Upcoming Courses:

Come Be Social! Don’t forget to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages! As a follower, you will be able to

communicate with the FMNP staff and other environmental enthusiasts. We share events, news, and photos from all across the state and FMNP courses. We encourage you to post and tag us

throughout your own FMNP journey and to use the hashtags #FloridaMasterNaturalistProgram and #FMNP to find other posts. Click below to follow!

Sign up for the Listserv! Stay up to date on FMNP news by signing up for our listserv! We only send out a few emails a

year (including our newsletters). Sign up here.

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