FMNP Field Site Highlights: Quick Point Nature Preserve

Quick Point Nature Preserve

The Quick Point Nature Preserve is a 34-acre conservation area on the southern end of Longboat Key. Bordered by New Pass to the south, Sarasota Bay to the east, private property to the north, and Gulf of Mexico Drive to the west, the preserve is a living example of coastal restoration and stewardship.

Quick Point was heavily impacted by human activity during the mid-20th century, when dredged sand from New Pass covered native habitats and extensive ditching altered mangroves and salt marshes. In 1985, the Town of Longboat Key acquired the property to protect and restore its natural systems. Through partnerships with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, and Southwest Florida Water Management District, the site was restored and formally dedicated to the community in 1996.

Access

Accessing the preserve is a little tricky. To get there, park in the shell lot at the adjacent Overlook Park on the opposite side of Gulf of Mexico Dr. Then use the wooden walkway under the New Pass bridge on the south side—it wraps around to Quick Point.

• 100 Gulf of Mexico Dr, Longboat Key, FL
• Closed between the hours of 11:00 p.m. through 5:00 am
• Pets are prohibited
• Additional Rules and Regulations

Habitats

Visitors can explore several distinct habitats restored to reflect the site’s historical conditions including mangroves, coastal uplands, oyster beds, and seagrass beds. Restoration efforts removed invasive plants like Australian pine and Brazilian pepper and reintroduced native species. New plantings include cabbage palm, green buttonwood, gumbo limbo, sea grape, and red cedar, along with understory plants such as beach sunflower, muhly grass, and sand cordgrass.

Wildlife

Quick Point supports a wide range of coastal wildlife. Wading birds such as osprey, brown pelican, great blue heron, snowy egret, white ibis, and tri-colored heron can often be spotted along the shore. Mangrove crabs, orb weaver spiders, and a variety of insects thrive in the habitats, while raccoons, armadillos, and rabbits may occasionally be seen.

And keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Florida intertidal firefly (Micronaspsis floridana). There are reports of it nearby in the mangroves at Leffis Key and Emerson Point in Bradenton, but no sightings documented yet in Sarasota.

Community Science

Quick Point Nature Preserve is also a site for community-based biodiversity surveys started as a FMNP Group Project during one of our Coastal Systems courses. Through the free iNaturalist platform, visitors can record observations of plants and animals, share findings with a global network of naturalists, and contribute valuable data for conservation. 

• https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=190913

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• 💧 Find out more about the Florida Master Naturalist Program at Mote.
• 📰 Join our community at Suncoast Friends of FMNP to stay connected with fellow Florida Master Naturalist graduates.

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📬 Keep in Touch

Have you explored Quick Point Nature Preserve? Share your experience with us.

• 📧 Send questions or stories to endlessoceans@mote.org
• 🔗 Share your photos and observations using #FMNPMote
• 📰 Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on nature preserves and FMNP courses
• ▶️ Explore more on our YouTube channel

Zoom in. Focus together. Wonder around.™

FMNP Field Site Highlight: Mote Aquaculture Research Park

The Mote Aquaculture Research Park (MAP) was constructed in 2001 to pioneer the development of sustainable aquaculture technology. This research helps feed the world, restock depleted species, and supports the growth of a domestic aquaculture industry in the United States. Today, MAP continues to advance this critical effort while also hosting additional components of Mote Marine Laboratory’s mission.

Did you know? MAP spans an impressive 200 acres of land, including several freshwater wetland ecosystems. It also serves as one of our field sites for the Freshwater Systems classes with the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP), where students explore the property’s ponds and hydric hammocks during guided hikes.

If you are a Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate, you are invited to join our current Freshwater Systems students on their final day of class. Celebrate with a presentation of their final projects, a potluck, and an exclusive tour of the Mote Aquaculture Research Park’s sustainable aquaculture projects.

• SunCoast Friends of FMNP: Mote Aquaculture Research Park Tour
• 📅 Monday, September 8, 2025
• 🕐 1:00 – 3:00 PM EDT
• Registration required. You must be a FMNP graduate to attend.

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• 💧 Find out more about the Florida Master Naturalist Program at Mote.
• 📰 Join our community at Suncoast Friends of FMNP to stay connected with fellow Florida Master Naturalist graduates.

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📬 Keep in Touch

Were you part of a past FMNP course at Mote? We’d love to hear your story.

• 📧 Send questions or stories to endlessoceans@mote.org
• 🔗 Share your experience using #FMNPMote
• 📰 Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on future sessions
• ▶️ Like and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Zoom in. Focus together. Wonder around.™

FMNP Field Site Highlight: Myakka Headwaters Preserve

The Myakka Headwaters Preserve is a unique conservation area protecting the origin of the Myakka River, one of Florida’s designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. This 432-acre property, owned and managed by Big Waters Land Trust, features rare high-quality wetlands, pine flatwoods, and oak hammocks. It is home to numerous native species, from wading birds to gopher tortoises.

During the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) Freshwater Systems course, we explore how this landscape functions as the river’s “nursery,” filtering water, storing floodwaters, and providing critical wildlife habitat. This site gives participants an up-close view of the connection between healthy headwaters and the downstream ecosystems they support, including Myakka River State Park and Charlotte Harbor.

Myakka Headwaters Preserve is not open to the public, though those wishing to experience the landscape firsthand are invited to join our FMNP program or participate in the Big Waters Land Trust's community education programs or volunteer events.

• 💧 Want to join us? Find out more about the Florida Master Naturalist Program at Mote.
• Join our community at Suncoast Friends of FMNP to stay connected with fellow Florida Master Naturalist graduates.

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📬 Keep in Touch

Were you part of a past FMNP course at Mote? We’d love to hear your story.

• 📧 Send questions or stories to endlessoceans@mote.org
• 🔗 Share your experience using #FMNPMote
• 📰 Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on future sessions
• ▶️ Like and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Zoom in. Focus together. Wonder around.™

FMNP Field Site Highlight: Celery Fields

FMNP at Mote visiting Celery Fields, 2023

FMNP Field Site Highlight: Celery Fields 🔭 🐦

One of our popular stops in the Florida Master Naturalist Program at Mote is Celery Fields, a 300+ acre stormwater collection zone turned ecological gem in Sarasota County.

We hike the trails, identify native wetland plants, try dip netting in search of aquatic insects and small fish, and use panoramic hilltop views to observe how water moves through the landscape. It’s also one of the best spots in the region for birdwatching, home to herons, egrets, limpkins, and the occasional kite.

More than just a field trip, our visit to Celery Fields deepens participants’ understanding of freshwater ecosystems, human impact, and habitat restoration in action.

💧 Want to join us? Find out more about the Florida Master Naturalist Program at Mote.

• Background of the Celery Fields https://www.sarasotaaudubon.org/the-celery-fields
• Common Plants of the Celery Fields https://sarasota.wateratlas.usf.edu/upload/documents/Celery-Fields-Plant-Booklet-C-Finished-web.pdf
• Checklist of Birds
• of the Celery Fields https://sarasota.wateratlas.usf.edu/upload/documents/Celery-Fields-Bird-Checklist-Sarasota-Audubon-Soc-2015.pdf 
• Re-Wilding the Quad Parcels https://bigwaterslandtrust.org/rewilding-the-quad-parcel/
• Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheCeleryFields
• Scientific Exploration of Fish at the Celery Fields https://sarasota.wateratlas.usf.edu/upload/documents/Celery-Fields-Fish-Sampling-Write-Up-8-22-15.pdf

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Do you use Facebook?

Join our community at Suncoast Friends of FMNP. It’s a great way to stay connected with fellow Florida Master Naturalist graduates. In addition to updates on official events, members often share informal meetups like casual nature walks or local outings. These events are open exclusively to FMNP course graduates—hope to see you there!

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📬 Keep in Touch

Were you part of a past FMNP course at Mote? We’d love to hear your story.

📧 Send questions or stories to marven@mote.org

🔗 Share your experience using #FMNPMote

📰 Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on future sessions.

Zoom in. Focus together. Wonder around.

FMNP CEUs, In-Service Credit & Financial Support

FMNP students at Myakka Headwaters Preserve

Are you looking into taking an FMNP course to grow professionally? Whether you’re an educator, environmental interpreter, or a curious community member, the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) offers more than hands-on experiences. It can also help you earn credit.

🎓 Earn Credit While You Learn

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and in-service credit are available for most FMNP courses. Here’s what you need to know:

• CEUs (up to 4.0 per course) are available through UF/IFAS Extension and included with your certificate
• In-service credit may be available to Florida public school teachers but must be approved by your school district ahead of time
• Once you complete your course, you’ll receive a certificate showing your CEU hours

💡 Educator Tip: FMNP courses support environmental science topics aligned with Florida science standards, perfect for strengthening classroom instruction.

💰 Need Help with Costs?

Several funding sources are available:

• FMNP Scholarships
  • Need-based, awarded by UF/IFAS Extension
  • Priority for first-time applicants and those from underrepresented communities
  • Apply at least three weeks before your course start date
  • 🔗 View FMNP Scholarship information
• Florida Marine Science Educators Association (FMSEA)
  • Offers mini-grants and professional development support for teachers
  • Funds can be used for registration fees, classroom supplies, or course-related travel
  • 🔗 View FMSEA awards and eligibility

📰 Want a reminder about the next FMNP program at Mote? Subscribe to our newsletter to get updates on future sessions

Zoom in. Focus together. Wonder around.

Explore Florida’s Liquid Heart with the Lifelong Learning At Mote

When people think of Florida, they often picture beaches, but some of our most vital ecosystems are inland. This summer, plunge into the state’s rich freshwater environments through the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) hosted at Mote Marine Laboratory.

Upcoming Course: FMNP Freshwater Systems Module

• 📍 Held at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL
• 🗓 Hybrid course, August 11 – September 8, 2025
• in-person all day on Mondays, 9:30 am – 4:00 pm ET
• online on Wednesday mornings via Zoom, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm ET
• $350 Attendee Fee – Includes electronic file (PDF) of manual
• $425 Attendee Fee with Color Manual – Includes the PDF and a printed bound copy
• FMNP offers various scholarships depending on your need
• 🔗 Register today

This 40-hour course is open to anyone 18 years or older with a passion for Florida’s wild places. You’ll learn about the plants, animals, and physical processes that define our rivers, lakes, springs, and wetlands—plus how humans are affecting these essential systems.

Field experiences include:

• The Celery Fields: a thriving birding and stormwater site
• Myakka Headwaters at Flatford Swamp: a rare look at the source of one of Florida’s wildest rivers

What You’ll Gain

• A deeper understanding of Florida’s freshwater ecology and hydrology
• Hands-on experience in field observation and environmental interpretation
• Connections with conservation professionals and fellow nature stewards
• A certificate of completion, a program patch, and a program lapel pin

Think Like an Interpreter

• How would you explain a cypress dome to a 5th grader?
• What story could you tell to help someone see the value in a stormwater pond?

The FMNP doesn’t just teach you facts—it sharpens your storytelling skills as a nature interpreter.

🕵️ Mystery Florida Organism

Let’s test your skills. What organism is pictured here?
Clue: I eat vines but I’m no gardener. I was introduced on purpose, not by accident. I help keep an invasive plant in check. And even though I’m not native, I’ve made myself very useful.

• 🤔 Click here for the answer

Have you spotted one yet? If so, we want to know! Email us at MARVEN@mote.org

• 📸 Share your Florida freshwater finds using #FMNPAtMote
• 🎓 Ready to take the plunge? There are 10 spaces left. Register for the Freshwater Module today!

#FMNP #MoteMarineLab #Florida #Freshwater #LifelongLearning #Sarasota #FMNPAtMote