Nature lovers can get a firsthand look at Northwest Florida’s freshwater environments by enrolling in the Florida Master Naturalist Program, a 40-hour class for adults that informs and prepares them to share information about Florida’s natural areas and environmental history. The class begins March 8. Registration closes at 9 a.m., March 2.

Taught by Escambia and Santa Rosa County extension agents, this hands-on learning experience includes classroom instruction, field trips and practical interpretive experiences related to the general ecology, habitats, vegetation types, wildlife and conservation issues of Florida’s freshwater wetland systems. Field trips will include a tour of the Garcon Point ecosystems, a Mobile Bay Delta safari, a trip to the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center, and tours of Morrison Springs, Ponce De Leon Springs and other wetland habitats.

The $230 registration fee covers all field trips, classroom training and materials. Register at MasterNaturalist.org (click on current course offerings). 

For more information, contact Chris Verlinde at 850-623-3868, 850-777-7884 or [email protected].