Success Stories
Florida Master Naturalist Program
Video Transcript
Scott Jackson, Okaloosa/Walton County Extension Agent: "The Florida Master Naturalist Program aims to teach people about the unique ecosystem that we have where they live and where they work, and it’s for interested adults. They come from all different walks of life. This program originated by a state specialist and--through the "train the trainer" program--was given to Extension agents and other people interested in teaching natural resources."
"One of the things that we’ve been able to do is partner with our tourist development council and create a way we actually can certify some of the eco-tourism operators and now in Walton County alone we have a system where we provide training and the tourism development council actually offers certification based on that training."
"It’s also making a tremendous success for folks who are creating new business and trying to grow and develop new communities and also new places to work and live. Eco-tourism, nature-based tourism, and agro-tourism can be an answer to the need for jobs and to create jobs."
"At the end of every class, each one of the modules, we ask folks involved to create a final project as a way to complete the class. And so for me, that last day is almost like Christmas Day or a birthday party or something. We get all of these gifts that are really thoughtful by the people who live there and that impact has just been tremendous."
Narrator: "Education is the focus for agents across the Northwest District. In Jackson County, school is in session for ranchers at Doug Mayo’s Beef Cattle Management School where he teaches how to improve pastures and manage ponds. Marcus Boston is using his 4-H Outdoor Day Camps to teach life skills to young adults from Leon and Jefferson Counties. Wakulla County residents are learning from Michelle Adamski how they can save time, money and energy at the first-ever Big Bend Green Living and Energy Expo. And for farmers in Walton County, Michael Goodchild’s bio-diesel program is showing how growing their own fuel can save money and the environment."
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