FMNP Friends Groups (e.g. "Friends of…", "Friend Chapters", etc.) are organized groups of FMNP Graduates and Instructors with a desire to stay engaged, volunteer, and become more involved in environmental events and projects in their communities, even after they have completed their FMNP Courses. Field trips, speaker series, beach clean-ups, event tabling, and other conservation activities are often hosted by FMNP Friends Groups.

These grassroots groups are created and managed by the participants themselves, with facilitation of a local FMNP Instructor. The role of the Facilitator is only to provide oversight and ensure that Friends Group operations are within the spirit of the Florida Master Naturalist Program and comply with UF/IFAS standards.

The FMNP State Office supports Friends Groups and recognizes the important role they play in extending the mission of the Florida Master Naturalist Program. Any group using the FMNP as a premise for organized events or activities is expected to submit the required paperwork to become an official FMNP Friends Group.

The FMNP seeks to understand the tremendous impact it has across the state. To do this, we ask Friends Groups to report their activities and accomplishments on a regular basis.

To establish a new FMNP Friends Group, follow the Friends Group Checklist.

Reference the by-laws from our Friends Group in Pinellas County to help guide your group: Example By-Laws from the Friends of Pinellas Master Naturalists.