Kick off the New Year with Master Naturalist Programs

Many adults first discover Camp Bayou through the Master Naturalist program created through the University of Florida and offered at select sites across the Tampa Bay region. To earn the Master Naturalist designation, adults must complete three 40-hour programs that focus on freshwater wetlands, coastal systems, and upland habitats. Because of its diverse habitats and available classroom space, all three topics are offered at Camp Bayou with field trips to nearby Cockroach Bay for the coastal sections.

One class is offered every year, the 2010 program on freshwater wetlands begins Saturday, Feb. 6 to March 6. Registration for the class, which is limited to 20 students, closes on Jan. 28.

Other Master Naturalist classes scheduled for 2010 include:

• Pinellas County program on freshwater wetlands scheduled for Feb. 12 to March 5 at the Seminole campus of St. Petersburg College, led by wildlife biologist Jeanne Murphy.
• Manatee County program on coastal systems Feb. 23 to March 24 at the Manatee County Extension Office.

For more information or to register online, visit http://www.masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/.