UNF: FLORIDA FIELD SCHOOL

The Bridge Between the Classroom and the World

Florida Field School is a unique “study in-broad” experience that takes students out of the classroom and into real-world environmental settings across Florida and beyond. Through immersive, field-based learning, students explore key environmental topics and career paths. Our recent programs have offered a wide array of experiences from career exploration adventures at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, to hands-on habitat restoration projects on campus, to multi day adventures exploring Florida's rich biodiversity firsthand. We also introduced new Nature Prescription trips for students to unwind and reconnect with the outdoors through visits to local wilderness parks and beaches. The Florida Field School is committed to providing meaningful field-based learning opportunities for any student interested in exploring environmental science.

Upcoming Opportunities

Alligator partially submerged in shallow wetland water

Swamp Studies at Okefenokee

Date: Friday, Jan. 30, 8:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Location: Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, Folkston, GA
Cost: $20

This one-day field experience takes students into the field with researchers and professionals to examine relevant environmental issues. At the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, we will learn about different career opportunities, the history of the refuge through a boat tour, and how students can contribute! Registration covers a boat tour, lunch and transportation.

Registration

Sports and Sustainability at the PGA Tour

Date: Friday, March 6, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: PGA TOUR Headquarters, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Cost: $20

Join IERE to explore how sustainability intersects with sports and business during a behind-the-scenes visit to the PGA TOUR. Led by their Director of Sustainability, this experience highlights innovative practices in event operations, resource management, and environmental stewardship. Registration includes transportation, behind-the-scenes tour, professional development and lunch.

Registration

IERE Director Erin Largo-Wight at podium

COJ-UNF Environmental Symposium

Date: Friday, Feb. 13, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: UNF Adam W. Herbert University Center
Cost: $25

The Institute of Environmental Research and Education and the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board partner to host an annual environmental symposium. The symposium provides a unique platform for community members, regulatory agencies, scholars, and innovators to come together and engage in discussions related to environmental policy, sustainability, and resilience.

Volunteer opportunities are also available on a first come first serve to attend the conference free of cost (but does not include lunch). Contact Ruby Cox regarding availability.

Website Link

Fern in focus with hikers walking along a wooded trail in background.

Spring Break Florida Field School - Exploring Florida Ecosystems

Date: Sunday, March 15 - Thursday, March 19 (5 days, 4 nights)
Location: Homestead, FL
Cost: $200

Spend Spring Break exploring Florida’s ecosystems with our Florida Field School! Highlights of this trip will include wet walks in Everglades National Park, snorkeling in Biscayne Bay, and a research focused visit to the Deering Estate. Learn about careers in conservation and gain hands on experience in the field. This program is designed for students of all majors and backgrounds— while no prior outdoor experience is required, some camping or backpacking experience is highly recommended as this is a 4 night, 5 day camping trip. You’ll gain practical skills, connect with professionals in environmental science, and experience unique opportunities in the heart of Florida's fascinating ecosystems.

For more information please contact Ruby Cox.

Application Link

Aerial view of swimmers in a clear spring surrounded by trees

Nature Prescription – Float Away from Finals in Florida Springs

Date: Friday, April 24, 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White, FL
Cost: $20

Join IERE for a Nature Prescription trip to explore Florida’s unique springs. This experience is all about relaxing outdoors and enjoying the health benefits of connecting with nature. Registration includes transportation, hiking, walking, swimming and lunch.

Registration

Explore Past Trips

Group of Kayakers Paddling Through a Lush Green Forested Waterway

Wekiwa Springs Spring Break

Students enjoyed a spring break adventure at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka, Florida. This trip offered participants the chance to enjoy camping, paddling at Kelly Rock Springs, hiking, and exploring local ecosystems. They engaged with environmental professionals, learning about conservation efforts and gaining hands-on experience. 

The adventure focused on Florida's freshwater ecosystems, while providing engaging lessons on Nature and Health, Natural Resource Management, and Career Exploration. The event provided an immersive experience, fostering a deeper connection with Florida's natural environments. 

Campus Sustainability Tour

The Campus Sustainability Tour focused on hyper-local sustainability efforts at UNF, led by the new Assistant Director of Sustainability. Participants engaged in discussions about the campus's energy initiatives and explored ways to expand sustainable practices. Additionally, they had the opportunity to hear inspiring career stories from environmental professionals.

Four individuals removing invasive plants in a wooded area.

Campus Habitat Restoration

Students from all walks of environmental involvement came together to restore campus by planting a threatened native wildflower. This hands-on experience gave students the chance to connect, share ideas, and contribute to local conservation efforts while building a strong campus community.

Group of people observing a forest environment.

Wetlands Walk in Sawmill Slough

Participants joined IERE for an exciting hike around UNF's Sawmill Slough, led by Rhodes Robinson—wildlife biologist, Certified Environmental Professional, and Professional Wetland Scientist. The on-campus event provided an informative and engaging experience, allowing students to learn about the hyper local ecosystem and conservation efforts in UNF’s Nature Preserve firsthand.

Group of people kayaking on a calm lake surrounded by trees.

Sawmill Slough Exploration

Participants on the Sawmill Slough Exploration trip enjoyed kayaking and exploring Lake Oneida, located on the beautiful UNF campus, through partnership with Eco Adventure. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for new exploration and experience, along with connecting students to the natural space around them on campus.

Woman sitting on beach watching seagull fly by.

Beach Brain Break

Students took a much-needed break with IERE on the Nature Prescription Beach Brain Break trip to Jacksonville Beach. Participants enjoyed activities such as art, reading, swimming, and playing games like Frisbee and football. The event provided a relaxing and enjoyable experience before Spring semester exams. 

Tour boat navigating through a scenic wetland.

Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

Students experienced a one-day field trip adventure to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge maximizing the opportunity to meet with researchers and professionals to examine relevant environmental issues. A panel discussion provided in depth conversation regarding different career paths and opportunities with a boat tour providing the history of the refuge.

Crystal River Spring Break Trip

2022 Spring Break Field School trip focused on Florida’s newest aquatic preserve, the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. Participants traveled as a group to various sites along the nature coasts exploring upland habitats, rivers, springs and estuaries. During the trip we met a range of scientists and professionals from FWC, US Fish and Wildlife, UF/IFAS, FDEP and more learning about the many career opportunities connected to the environment.

Group of people on a guided nature walk in a forest.

Forestry Exploration

This Field Friday focused on forestry and prescribed fire. Many Florida ecosystems are fire dependent, yet for many years there was an exclusive focus on fire suppression. Florida is now one of the leaders in the nation when it comes to prescribed fires. During this Field Friday, we met with staff from the Florida Forest Service (FFS) and learn why fires are important and what benefits they provide to ecosystems and humans. After a hike in the state forest looking at the benefits from prescribed burns, we learned about potential careers in FFS and other related agencies.