About Us

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:
  • Community Outreach, Personal Growth, Socialization
  • Initially Pinellas County Chapter; Now Regional Presence; Soon Statewide Initiative
Objective:
  • To create and execute public environmental education programs promoting the University of Florida/IFAS Florida Master Naturalist Program with emphasis on Pinellas County.

Action Plan:

  • Promote sound environmental stewardship
  • Increase environmental education outreach
  • Support current conservation education
  • Integrate Florida Master Naturalist Program efforts by networking and supporting other environmental affiliations
  • Encourage passive recreation and appreciation of Florida’s natural environment
  • Enhance chapter field trips and quarterly program participation for members and the public.

Our 2024 Board of Directors:

Officers

President             Joan Landis
Vice President     Jim Caldwell
Treasurer            Dan Valeri
Secretary             Irina Marvel

Board Members

Jeanne Murphy (Chapter Facilitator & Membership Co-chair)

Brian Lane (Chapter Facilitator & Membership Co-chair)

Kevin Van Dien (Scholarships)

Debbie Caldwell (Community Outreach, Activities Calendar)

Jill Lingard (Email Chair)

Michael Coleman (Member at Large)

Debra Vowell (Member at Large)