Broward Parks and Youth Environmental Alliance Offer Training

BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Reserve your spot now in the Youth Environmental Alliance (YEA) and Broward County Parks' Freshwater Systems Module, the second of three core modules in the University of Florida IFAS-Florida Master Naturalist Program. The 40-hour class, which meets both virtually and in person and includes field training, starts on Tuesday, February 13th and ends on Tuesday, March 28th.

In-person sessions will take place in the Oak Ridge Hall at Tree Tops Park (3900 SW 100th Ave., Davie 33328; 954-357-5130) and Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital (3000 Sportsplex Dr., Coral Springs 33065; (954-752-9453). There will also be field trips to Broward County Parks natural areas, as well as Wakodahatchee Wetlands and Everglades Holiday Park.

All three modules are required to receive certification as a Florida Master Naturalist, a designation recognized in school districts and governmental agencies statewide. The instructors are Kristen Hoss, YEA's executive director, and Dr. John Pipoly of Broward County Parks, who have 30 and 45 years of teaching experience, respectively.

The fee is $245 per student or $295 if a hard-copy manual is included (not recommended). Registration is online and closes at noon on February 8th. For additional information, contact Hoss at Kristen@YEAfrog.org or 248-933-1069, or Pipoly at ParksEnvEd@Broward.org or 954-357-5280.

Broward County Parks manages almost 6,500 acres, encompassing more than 50 regional parks and nature centers, neighborhood parks, and natural areas at various stages of development. Hours and fees vary by location. Visit Broward.org/Parks for details. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations in order to participate in programs, services, and activities must contact the Special Populations Section at 954-357-8170 or TTY 954-537-2844 at least five business days prior to the scheduled meeting or event.