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Friends of Pinellas Master
Naturalists, Inc.
Our story begins with the Florida Master Naturalist Program offered through
the University of Florida/IFAS and taught by certified UF instructors
statewide. Through an established curriculum, it promotes awareness,
understanding, and respect for Florida's natural world among Florida's
citizens and visitors.
In 2004, Jeanne Murphy, the lead Florida Master Naturalist Program
Instructor in Pinellas County, and a group of Florida Master Naturalist
Program graduates organized a Pinellas County chapter to further an
important goal of the program: for graduates to “share their knowledge with
others and foster principles of sustainability, connectivity, and
biodiversity to assist others to understand and respect Florida's natural
world as a community to which we all belong.”
In 2006, the University of Florida named our Pinellas County chapter the
Chapter of the Year at the Florida Master Naturalist Program state
conference. In 2006 and 2007, Jeanne Murphy received the University of
Florida/IFAS Florida Master Naturalist Program Regional Instructor Award.
Brian Lane, a current Board member and certified program instructor, also
received the Regional Instructor Award in 2007.
In 2008, chapter members voted to establish a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit
corporation to further the organization’s goals in the county, region, and
ultimately, the state. Our goals, objectives, and plan of action are listed
below:
Goals:
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Community Outreach, Personal Growth,
Socialization
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Initially Pinellas County Chapter; Now
Regional Presence; Soon Statewide Initiative
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Objective:
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To create and execute public environmental
education programs promoting the University of Florida/IFAS Florida Master
Naturalist Program with emphasis on Pinellas County.
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Action Plan:
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Promote sound environmental stewardship;
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Increase environmental education outreach;
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Support current conservation education;
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Integrate Florida Master Naturalist Program
efforts by networking and supporting other environmental affiliations;
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Encourage passive recreation and appreciation
of Florida’s natural environment; and
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Enhance chapter field trips and quarterly
program participation for members and the public.
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