This is a Pre-Recorded Distance Learning Course. Hover over or tap this text for more details.
Pre-recorded courses are published online. After registering for the class, students receive login information to view the course recording at any time from a web browser via the internet. Students may watch the recording any number of times until the expiration date of the course (usually at the end of the term). Instructor handouts, when provided, may be downloaded from the recording playback. Instructors may also opt to provide for questions to be submitted and answered by email. This course is delivered via the Internet. The course link and instructions will appear on the order receipt. An electronic device with internet connection is required.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission helps Floridians understand and live with this mid-sized member of the canine family. Learn about the coyote's role in the environment and get updates on recent research. Also addressed are potential problems with coyotes, including livestock and pet loss. Learn about applicable regulations, and why eradication is not achievable for this species. Details will be provided to learn how to be safe around coyotes and how to coexist with this new predator on Florida's landscape.
Join us for a wild journey from the comfort of your seat as you meet and learn about some of the most amazing animals on the planet. Wild World of Animals is widely regarded as the gold standard for live animal stage shows.
Featuring reptiles, birds, and mammals, some familiar and others you may have never seen before, this fast-paced program is both entertaining and educational for all ages. With more than 30 years of experience, host Grant Kemmerer leads an unforgettable live animal adventure that blends fascinating facts, humor, and up-close encounters.
This special event is co-sponsored by Circle Square Cultural Center and Master the Possibilities, with a portion of the proceeds supporting Master the Possibilities and its mission of lifelong learning.
Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
Time: Beginning at 7:00 PM
Tickets: $12 each at the Box Office
Location: Circle Square Cultural Center, 8395 SW 80th Street, Ocala, FL 34481
All ages – family-friendly
Click below to register through the Circle Square Cultural Center website.
Why do we bring animals into our homes? This course explores the history, philosophy and psychology of pet keeping, asking a hard question: is our domestication of animals actually good for them, or good for us? Or both? We will examine why this intense devotion is peculiar to the West, and what our search for touch and companionship reveals about aging and human isolation.
Instructor:Emmett CoyneMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #:EPW160 | Room:Room 4
Day of Week | Date | Time: Th | 12/3/2026 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Seats Available:24
Water is everywhere in Florida. Join us to learn about the largest aquatic species found in both freshwater and coastal ecosystems. We will discuss ways to participate in wildlife watching activities and ways to get involved with conservation.
Join the UF/IFAS Extension Marion County Ag & Natural Resource Agent to learn about wildlife, natural resources, and agriculture in Marion County.
Instructor:Maxine HunterMembers: Free; General Public: $5
Course #:IFA219 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Th | 12/10/2026 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:13
North Central Florida offers great opportunities for both experienced and novice birders. Whether you are interested in beginning a birding hobby, new to our area or simply want to brush up your birding skills with like-minded neighbors, this may be for you. We'll explore our common and a few uncommon species as well as where and when to search.
Instructor:Max WeakleyMembers: $10; General Public: $15
Course #:EPW155 | Room:Room 4
Day of Week | Date | Time: Th | 1/21/2027 | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Seats Available:21
Welcome to our beginner canine behavior and training course where you’ll learn the fundamentals of why dogs do what they do and how understanding canine behavior helps identify the root causes of common challenges. Using positive, reward-based training methods that truly work, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to guide your dog toward better manners and lifelong success. This hands-on class is designed to be fun for both you and your dog. Please bring your dog to each session on a 6-foot leash with a basic collar or harness, along with plenty of small training treats. Please note: For dogs 16 weeks and up. This class is not designed for aggression-related issues. Aggressive dogs are not permitted to attend. Please make sure your pet's vaccines are up-to-date prior to attending.
Instructor:Maggie VelizMembers: $91; General Public: $96
Course #:PET118 | Room:Room 5
Day of Week | Date | Time : M | 2/1/2027 - 3/8/2027 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM This class meets 5 times Seats Available:1 Note: No class on 2/15.
A representative from Dogs Inc. will join an On Top of the World resident and guide dog handler to provide an informative look at the world of service dogs. Participants will learn how service dogs are trained, proper etiquette when encountering them in public, what happens when they retire, and whether a Dogs Inc. service dog may be right for them. The presentation will also explain the application process and eligibility requirements.
Attendees will discover the many types of assistance dogs Dogs Inc. provides, including guide dogs for people with vision loss, service dogs for veterans, Gold Star families, and individuals with Type 1 diabetes, as well as therapy dogs for military and first responder facilities. Whether attendees are simply curious or considering a service dog, this class will answer their questions and highlight the life-changing impact of these extraordinary canine partners.
This is a Hybrid Distance Learning Course. Hover over or tap this text for more details.
The instructor will be teaching live in person with students both in class as well as attending remotely.
Students who register for this instance will attend class remotely. Students will take the course by signing in to the webinar via an internet web browser (online).
You will receive a link in the email confirmation reminder at least three days before class.
A representative from Dogs Inc. will join an On Top of the World resident and guide dog handler to provide an informative look at the world of service dogs. Participants will learn how service dogs are trained, proper etiquette when encountering them in public, what happens when they retire, and whether a Dogs Inc. service dog may be right for them. The presentation will also explain the application process and eligibility requirements.
Attendees will discover the many types of assistance dogs Dogs Inc. provides, including guide dogs for people with vision loss, service dogs for veterans, Gold Star families, and individuals with Type 1 diabetes, as well as therapy dogs for military and first responder facilities. Whether attendees are simply curious or considering a service dog, this class will answer their questions and highlight the life-changing impact of these extraordinary canine partners.
Instructor:Debbie Ciepiela and Deanna MillerMembers: $5; General Public: $10 Course #: SPE337 | Room:Zoom 1 Day of Week | Date | Time:W | 2/10/2027 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:100
Why do we bring animals into our homes? This course explores the history, philosophy and psychology of pet keeping, asking a hard question: is our domestication of animals actually good for them, or good for us? Or both? We will examine why this intense devotion is peculiar to the West, and what our search for touch and companionship reveals about aging and human isolation.
Instructor:Emmett CoyneMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #:EPW160 | Room:Room 4
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu | 2/16/2027 | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Seats Available:25
This course explores the evolving role of the horse and the practical responsibilities that come with horse ownership. Participants will begin by examining the historical uses of horses before recreational riding became widespread, including their roles as workhorses, in plowing and agriculture, as a source of mechanical power, in warfare, and as pack animals. The course will then explore the modern roles of horses in transportation, companionship, racing, dressage, showing, and eventing.
Participants will also learn about the importance of establishing a relationship with a veterinarian for both routine care and emergency situations. The course will discuss how horse owners can prepare for veterinary needs and respond appropriately when an emergency occurs.
The course will conclude with an overview of the legal considerations associated with horse ownership. Topics will include owner liability, potential compensation following an injury involving someone else's horse, and considerations when a horse is injured or must be euthanized.
A thoroughbred’s life is different from other horse breeds in that it’s controlled and monitored starting at birth and leading up to the race track. This course covers the naming and registering of a foal, the breaking and early training, the rest period, extended intense training, the starting gate training, and then the race debut.
Instructor:Richard DillonMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #:HOB154 | Room:Room 4
Day of Week | Date | Time: Th | 3/4/2027 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:24
Explore the Withlacoochee and Rainbow Rivers near Dunnellon for a unique glimpse of "Old Florida" and its more modern landscapes. This two-part course begins with a classroom session focused on identifying the birds commonly found in this region of Florida. By the end, you'll be confident in recognizing many of them, from wading birds to raptors and many songbirds.
The second session features a guided three-hour boat ride with an experienced riverboat captain. We'll travel about one mile along the Rainbow River and explore as much of the Withlacoochee as time allows. Expect up-close views of magnificent birds and excellent photo opportunities. Make sure to bring your camera or binoculars!
After the trip, those interested can join for an optional lunch at a nearby riverside café to share observations and compile a bird list from the morning's adventure.
Second class date field trip directions (8:00am):
Meeting at 20750 River Dr, Dunnellon, FL 34431
- Drive east down 484 to Dunnellon
- Drive 12 miles, then turn left at the light on 41
- Park in the Municipal lot in front of City Hall
- The boat sails from the Public Boat Ramp
Instructor:Max WeakleyMembers: $61; General Public: $66
Course #:EPW115 | Room:Room 4
Day of Week | Date | Time:Th F | 3/18/2027 & 3/19/2027 | 1:30 PM - 11:00 AM This class meets 2 times Seats Available:13
This course focuses on addressing common and more complex dog training and behavior challenges while continuing to build on the foundations introduced in PET118. Using positive, reward-based techniques, we will refine your dog’s manners and introduce new commands designed to improve focus, responsiveness, and everyday behavior.
Training topics include Recall (Come), Wait, Down, Off, Sit, Leave It, Place, attention work, and discussion of individual behavior concerns as appropriate. This class is ideal for dogs ready to move beyond the basics and strengthen their training in a structured, supportive environment.
Please note: For dogs 16 weeks and up. This class is not designed for aggression-related issues. Aggressive dogs are not permitted to attend.
Prerequisites: Completion of Course #: PET118. Please make sure your pet's vaccines are up-to-date prior to attending.
Instructor:Maggie VelizMembers: $91; General Public: $96
Course #:PET119 | Room:Room 5
Day of Week | Date | Time : M | 3/22/2027 - 4/19/2027 | 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM This class meets 5 times Seats Available:5
Learn how to take your birding to the next level using eBird. This presentation covers tips for improving your observations, submitting better checklists, and contributing valuable data to the birding community and science. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned birder, discover how to become a more effective eBirder.
Instructor:Max WeakleyMembers: $10; General Public: $15
Course #:EPW157 | Room:Room 4
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu | 5/11/2027 | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Seats Available:24
This is a Pre-Recorded Distance Learning Course. Hover over or tap this text for more details.
Pre-recorded courses are published online. After registering for the class, students receive login information to view the course recording at any time from a web browser via the internet. Students may watch the recording any number of times until the expiration date of the course (usually at the end of the term). Instructor handouts, when provided, may be downloaded from the recording playback. Instructors may also opt to provide for questions to be submitted and answered by email. This course is delivered via the Internet. The course link and instructions will appear on the order receipt. An electronic device with internet connection is required.
This course provides a collection of pre-recorded wildlife presentations from biologists and other professionals from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. You can view these recordings any time with an internet-connected device for the entire term. Your registration receipt contains the information you need to connect to the recordings. Best of all, it's free!
This class is full. Click the "Add to Wait List " button below to be placed on a wait list.
Explore the Withlacoochee and Rainbow Rivers near Dunnellon for a unique glimpse of "Old Florida" and its more modern landscapes. This two-part course begins with a classroom session focused on identifying the birds commonly found in this region of Florida. By the end, you'll be confident in recognizing many of them, from wading birds to raptors and many songbirds.
The second session features a guided three-hour boat ride with an experienced riverboat captain. We'll travel about one mile along the Rainbow River and explore as much of the Withlacoochee as time allows. Expect up-close views of magnificent birds and excellent photo opportunities. Make sure to bring your camera or binoculars!
After the trip, those interested can join for an optional lunch at a nearby riverside café to share observations and compile a bird list from the morning's adventure.
Second class date field trip directions (8:00am):
Meeting at 20750 River Dr, Dunnellon, FL 34431
- Drive east down 484 to Dunnellon
- Drive 12 miles, then turn left at the light on 41
- Park in the Municipal lot in front of City Hall
- The boat sails from the Public Boat Ramp
Instructor:Max Weakley Course #: EPW115 | Room:Room 4 Day of Week | Date | Time:Th F | 11/12/2026 - 11/13/2026 | 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Note: Students are not charged when placed on a waiting list, and will be notified by MTP staff if a seat becomes available.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission helps Floridians understand and live with this mid-sized member of the canine family. Learn about the coyote's role in the environment and get updates on recent research. Also addressed are potential problems with coyotes, including livestock and pet loss. Learn about applicable regulations, and why eradication is not achievable for this species. Details will be provided to learn how to be safe around coyotes and how to coexist with this new predator on Florida's landscape.
Water is everywhere in Florida. Join us to learn about the largest aquatic species found in both freshwater and coastal ecosystems. We will discuss ways to participate in wildlife watching activities and ways to get involved with conservation.
North Central Florida offers great opportunities for both experienced and novice birders. Whether you are interested in beginning a birding hobby, new to our area or simply want to brush up your birding skills with like-minded neighbors, this may be for you. We'll explore our common and a few uncommon species as well as where and when to search.
Welcome to our beginner canine behavior and training course where you’ll learn the fundamentals of why dogs do what they do and how understanding canine behavior helps identify the root causes of common challenges. Using positive, reward-based training methods that truly work, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to guide your dog toward better manners and lifelong success. This hands-on class is designed to be fun for both you and your dog. Please bring your dog to each session on a 6-foot leash with a basic collar or harness, along with plenty of small training treats.
A representative from Dogs Inc. will join an On Top of the World resident and guide dog handler to provide an informative look at the world of service dogs. Participants will learn how service dogs are trained, proper etiquette when encountering them in public, what happens when they retire, and whether a Dogs Inc. service dog may be right for them. The presentation will also explain the application process and eligibility requirements.
A thoroughbred’s life is different from other horse breeds in that it’s controlled and monitored starting at birth and leading up to the race track. This course covers the naming and registering of a foal, the breaking and early training, the rest period, extended intense training, the starting gate training, and then the race debut.
Explore the Withlacoochee and Rainbow Rivers near Dunnellon for a unique glimpse of "Old Florida" and its more modern landscapes. This two-part course begins with a classroom session focused on identifying the birds commonly found in this region of Florida. By the end, you'll be confident in recognizing many of them, from wading birds to raptors and many songbirds.
Learn how to take your birding to the next level using eBird. This presentation covers tips for improving your observations, submitting better checklists, and contributing valuable data to the birding community and science. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned birder, discover how to become a more effective eBirder.
This course provides a collection of pre-recorded wildlife presentations from biologists and other professionals from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. You can view these recordings any time with an internet-connected device for the entire term. Your registration receipt contains the information you need to connect to the recordings. Best of all, it's free!
