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Collaborating to Manage Ecosystems

Next Course:

Online coursework: Aug 23 - Sept 12, 2024

Live virtual welcome session: (via Zoom) 3:30-4:30 pm ET on Thursday, August 22nd

In-person workshop: September 17-18, 2024 (section 1) or September 15-16 (section 2). Hours for day 1 of workshop = 10:30am-5:30pm, and day 2 of workshop = 8:15am-4:30pm. (see agendas below)

Registration (click here to register) Note: waitlisted participants will be offered a space in section 2

  • REGULAR registration will open July 17, at 10:00 a.m.
  • EARLY registration is available for previous NATA graduates*. You must email the Training Coordinator before July 3 to request an early registration code; code will expire on July 16.
  • Registration will close when capacity is reached or by August 2nd; we expect course will fill to capacity quickly!

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Course Description:

This is a NATA Core workshop, leading to the Certificate in Natural Areas Management. This training builds an appreciation of how to manage natural areas as part of a larger ecosystem, in coordination with neighboring land owners.

Participants will: 

  • Develop an understanding of the concept of ecosystem management and its relevance to resource management
  • Become familiar with approaches that can be used to address threats facing entire ecosystems
  • Discover strategies that bring multiple organizations and private individuals together to achieve common goals and seek common solutions
  • Learn about a variety of working groups used to cope with complex environmental issues in Florida
  • Develop skills in listening, communicating, moderating group dynamics, and facilitating to cope with conflict

This workshop is presented in a hybrid format. (Both the online and in-person trainings are REQUIRED)

Online coursework:

Approximately 8 hours across 3-weeks (on your own, with weekly assignment deadlines); reliable internet connection and computer required.

Attend 1-hour live virtual welcome session (via Zoom), during the first week of the online coursework.

In-person training:

Two day in-person training at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka, FL.

Draft AGENDA: CME 2024 Agenda section 1 or CME 2024 Agenda section 2

Registration fee:

$325 (does not include lodging)

*EARLY registration is available to any person who has graduated from one or more of the NATA core certificate courses (Managing for Visitors and Volunteers, Managing for Diversity, Collaborating to Manage Ecosystems, or Conservation Site Assessment & Planning). You must email the Training Coordinator at least 2 weeks in advance of the posted registration date to request an early registration code. Code expires the day before regular registration begins. Fire training (e.g., S130/190) is not considered a core course for early registration eligibility.

Lodging: 

Shared lodging available in cabins for $50/person/night at Wekiwa Springs State Park (double occupancy with ensuite bathroom, A/C and heat). Must be arranged through NATA; not available for public reservations.

For more information, contact: 

Training Coordinator

Natural Areas Training Academy

nata@ifas.ufl.edu

Students gathered around a spring.

Students on a field trip.