Conference Workshops

This workshop will discuss qualifications, expectations, and benefits of being a Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP, www.MasterNaturalist.org) instructor. The FMNP is an environmental/conservation education program for adults that was developed by Dr. Martin Main, a professor at the University of Florida. FMNP courses are delivered by a statewide network of certified FMNP instructors that include UF/IFAS extension faculty and numerous partner organizations, such as nature centers, NGOs, and city, county, state, and federal agencies that include FMNP courses as a component of their broader educational program menu. For more information on our FMNP instructor network, visit FMNP Instructor Teams. 

Qualifications required for FMNP instructors vary depending upon whether the instructor is the team leader or a member of the instructor team. Lead instructors are evaluated and approved by the FMNP Advisory Board and serve as the team contact for FMNP communications. Expectations for FMNP instructor teams is that the team offers or participates in teaching at least one of the 11 FMNP courses per year. Benefits include FMNP support and access to course materials, expanding access to adult audiences and volunteers, engagement with the statewide FMNP instructor network, and shared FMNP registration revenues that help offset the costs of program delivery. If this sounds interesting, please join our workshop. Information about becoming an FMNP Instructor including our online application form please visit Become a FMNP Instructor.

Discover the vibrant world of botanical pigments all around us! Many of Florida's plants including natives, non-natives, and cultivated garden and landscaping plants, produce a huge array of stunning pigments that make lovely artist quality dyes, inks, and paints. This session is for anyone looking for a restful and creative time to experiment using handmade botanical inks and paints. Gainesville artist, Melissa DeSa, will share her experience in finding and creating local botanical pigments, and how they are transformed into both inks and paints. Most of the time will be spent in self-guided creative mode with all supplies provided: inks and paints, watercolor paper, brushes, pens, pencils and coloring sheets. Open to everyone—whether you’re a seasoned artist, a plant enthusiast, or just open to finding another way to connect with nature. No prior skills or knowledge required. All supplies are provided, but feel free to bring your own sketchbook or favorite paint brushes if you’d like. Copies of her book, "Found, Foraged, Grown: An Ecologist's Sketchbook of A Place-Based Palette", will be for sale.

William Hinton, FWC biologist, will be presenting on aquatic vegetation (both native and exotic) identification and treatment methods. Lanie Carter and Megan Ellis, FWC biologists, will be presenting on upland invasive plant identification and treatment methods. We will also discuss native lookalikes and current cost-share programs and assistance programs for private landowners.

For current or potential Treasurers, like you! There can be many questions on what is needed of a chapter Treasurer. This Treasurers' Workshop is to review financial duties for compliance with federal, state, and county laws that FNPS chapters agree to maintain with the Society to support the mission of the organization. We will discuss the options for tracking money received from donations and sales and expenses. The opportunities and challenges for chapters who join or do not join the Society's Group Exemption Letter will also be presented.