2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 51

William L. Sheftall, Jr., University of Florida Extension/ Leon County, 615 Paul Russell Road, Tallahassee, FL 32301; 850.487.3003; williams@mail.co.leon.fl.us; Dale L. Bennett; Charles E. Cichra; William H. Kern, Jr.; Stanton Rosenthal; and George W. Tanner

To train citizens for community outreach education in wildlife habitat conservation, pond and lake management, and nonpoint source pollution prevention. To develop knowledgeable grassroots leaders in neighborhoods and communities, who can define the practices required to maintain high environmental quality of life. To develop and pilot a new volunteer training curriculum for adults, both urban and rural.

Two Extension Advisory Committees were formed, comprised of outdoor recreation club presidents in Leon and Wakulla counties. One committee reflected traditional and the other non-traditional outdoor recreation. These committees worked with faculty to develop a comprehensive training curriculum that was taught during winter / spring 1997 at 2 locations -- Tallahassee and Crawfordville. The 12-week, 50-hour course was advertised through local media and outdoor recreation clubs. County faculty and state specialists collaborated to deliver lectures and to team-teach field trips. Weekly pre-tests and a final post-test were used to assess learning.

Eighty-six citizens returned an application packet modeled on the Extension Master Gardener ?Sprouting Kit? and were interviewed individually. Seventy-six were selected for the volunteer training program. Seventy enrollees were still active in the program at course completion. Fifty-two completed all course requirements, passed the certification exam, and were certified as ?Florida Master Wildlife Conservationists.? Coming into the course, the average graduate knew 31% of the material covered; upon completion, 72%. Thus, 41% of what the average graduate now knows about course topics was learned in the training course -- representing a mean increase in knowledge of 132%.

Trained volunteers are now available to assist county Extension faculty in teaching neighborhood associations and other adult civic groups, schools and other youth groups, and the general public. Volunteers have signed up to work in bi-county teams focused on 11 areas of service reflecting different educational delivery mode/ audience combinations. Thirty volunteer leaders were appointed and trained to facilitate team planning for educational programs and projects. They now form a 2-tiered middle management group responsible for coordinating volunteer program delivery. Under the leadership of a Team Organizational Coordinator, each team has begun the process of planning, implementing, and evaluating programs on wildlife conservation. Monthly programs featuring guest lectures are held to continue the education of these volunteers, and to provide opportunity for volunteers to present programs to their peers. Peer presentations share information prepared for external audiences, and allow peer critique of teaching techniques, to improve delivery.