My Florida Master Naturalist Credentials 

I have completed 2 of the 3 courses and am in the process of completing the 3rd. Click the above link to see the courses I have completed and/or go to the Florida Master Naturalist website. 

Description of a Florida Master Naturalist
The mission of the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is to promote awareness, understanding, and respect of Florida's natural world among Florida's citizens and visitors.

This mission is accomplished in part by FMNP Instructors, who teach students in the program about Florida's environment using science-based information and interpretive techniques that prepare students to share their knowledge with others.

This mission is also accomplished by FMNP graduates, who 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 essence, the FMNP teaches those that teach others.DescriptionThe Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) is an adult education UF/IFAS Extension program developed by the University of Florida and provided by many Extension offices and participating organizations throughout the state of Florida. FMNP training will benefit persons interested in learning more about Florida’s environment or wishing to increase their knowledge for use in education programs as volunteers, employees, ecotourism guides, and others.

Guiding Experience outside of Florida

Guiding usually involves very good logistical skills and common sense.  I am a big believer in utilizing local guides and resources to supplement trips.  With that said, I am not an expert in any one country or field, but I have general knowledge and utilize locals for their specialized assistance.  This benefits the local economy and you the visitor by meeting local people and receiving a local perspective.  

Costa Rica
Since 2005, Costa Rica has been a second home and I have spent 3-6 months a year there. My first couple of years I cared for my own conservation property bordering one of the most bio-diverse parks in the world, Corcovado National Park. Recently I have spent the majority of my time at a private nature reserve called Las Brisas towards the Caribbean Coast. I have been privy to birding with the best and hunting for snakes and frogs with countries foremost authorities.  I am working on publishing my first Book on Costa Rica in 2012. 

Africa
I have visited Africa twice in the past 10 years and traveled overland visiting over a third (17) of the continent's countries.  Traveling overland is an educational/cultural experience that is unmatched other than living in a country for a period of time.  I am well versed in the Southern and Eastern parts of Africa. I have published three photographic books on Africa. TO SEE BOOKS CLICK HERE

South America
Recently, I have traveled to Colombia quite often, but I reminisce about my 6 month long trip in which I learned so much about the continent. I have visited almost every country in South America.  I speak the Spanish language on a conversational level which greatly assists in the richness of the experience. 

Europe
I am in love with Spain and Italy.  I used to visit Europe once a year but 3rd world countries are so intriguing that I find myself only visiting Europe on rare occasions. 

Cuba 
I visited Cuba in 2009 and published a book on my travels. TO SEE BOOK CLICK HERE
Cuba is one of the most amazing countries in the world.  I put Cuba in my top five must see countries if you have the means and gumption to visit. 

Asia, Antarctica, and Australia are waiting to be discovered. 
My next major trip will be to Asia and maybe a hop-over visit to Australia.
I look forward to visiting Laos and Myanmar (Burma). Hopefully I will visit Antarctica by boat in my lifetime.