The Coastal Awareness and Responsible Ecotourism (CARE) Certification program is a five-week blended learning opportunity designed for individuals working in coastal, water-based tourism including but not limited to paddle outfitters and charter boat companies. The course is offered on an annual basis and includes online work-at-your-own-pace instruction, live virtual discussions and an in-person field day to practice shorebird identification and interaction with others working on the coast.
The course runs annually from February – March, registration begins in early January.
To be placed on the early inquiry list, please contact Katie Higgins (kt.higgins@uga.edu).
2024 CARE Course Dates:
- January 3-31: Registration open
- February 7: Zoom 1 – Introductions
- February 14: Zoom 2 – Coastal Ecology
- February 21: Zoom 3 – Shorebird and Habitat Conservation
- February 28: Zoom 4 – Human Connections to the Coast
- March 6: Zoom 5- Responsible Ecotourism
- March 11: Field Day – Certification Awarded
CARE Recertification
The Coastal Awareness and Responsible Ecotourism (CARE) Recertification program is completed every 2 years with quarterly (every 6-months) reports. This course is designed to help keep track of guide reporting as well as offer additional learning opportunities and resources. To encourage stewardship of our coast, we require 16 hours of combined Professional Development and Service/Volunteering hours within a 2-year re-certification period.