eVIP Volunteers at the 2019 Crosby Island Marsh Preserve
National Public Lands Day Project
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Lend a Hand to make a difference in your Orange County environment and community.
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September 2022
National Public Lands Day
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Join the Orange County Environmental Protection Division to celebrate National Public Lands Day on September 24 from 9 to 11 a.m. This year, volunteers will assist with invasive plant and fence removal on the Bagshaw-Hampton Green PLACE property in east Orange County. The event will be a family friendly project that is great for small groups, scouts and students seeking volunteer hours! There are limited spots available, please send an email for more information or to register for the event.
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In Her Own Words
M'kenzy Link, Volunteer Intern
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I started my internship with the Orange County Environmental Protection Division's (EPD) Green PLACE program in March of 2022 and immediately began learning more than I had expected. Being able to shadow EPD's land management staff has given me a more comprehensive understanding of what it takes to conserve, preserve and restore land. The activity of evaluating properties to consider for purchase is something I’ve never thought twice about. Participating in the process has made me realize just how much time and work goes into the “paper” side of land management. But, going out in the field is probably my favorite way to experience land management and being able to physically see the kind of property we are restoring/preserving at EPD is fulfilling. I am excited to continue my internship with Green PLACE while I’m completing my Environmental Studies degree at the University of Central Florida – my experience here will lead me well into graduate school and my knowledge gained will benefit me throughout my future career.
Congratulations to M'kenzy on a job well done and her recent promotion to a paid EPD Intern!
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Fall Intern Meet & Greet
November 7, 2022
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The Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will host a virtual Meet & Greet on Monday, November 7 at 12:30 p.m. This networking event is for those interested in volunteering as interns for the spring semester. At the Meet & Greet, EPD staff will conduct brief interviews with candidates and describe various internship opportunities. Current internship application and enrollment in school is required. Candidates must RSVP to participate.
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31 Years of Pollution Prevention
50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act
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The Clean Water Act (CWA) turns 50 this year! Before the CWA was enacted, the public was at risk of becoming ill from waterborne diseases and toxic chemicals. This was due in part to inadequate treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater and stormwater. Thanks to the framework created by the CWA, the lakes, rivers, and streams that our residents and visitors enjoy for recreation are better protected from pollution.
Citizens play an essential role in protecting our environmental treasures, our surface water and groundwater. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) offers The Watershed Academy, a free, self-paced training course for adults and children created to introduce residents to aquatic ecosystems and organize watershed concepts.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of the CWA, gather your family and friends and host a lake cleanup or a beach cleanup, volunteer to label storm drains or learn how to test your pool water before it’s discharged to your lawn. Help protect our water resources for current and future generations for the next 50 years or more. Email [email protected] for more information.
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Sign Up!
Receive More News From EPD
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Would you like to learn more about the Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD)? EPD is excited to share a variety of information about events, sustainability, the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge, regulatory updates, lake management, water quality and more! If you would like to be included on the email list, please fill out this brief sign-up form.
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Storm Drain Labeling
Spearhead a storm drain labeling project in your community. Orange County eVIP provides all the supplies, a one-hour training session and the support to create an enjoyable and meaningful service project for your group. Please help us keep our surface water clean and our storm drains functioning properly. This is a great project for scout groups!
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EnviroScape Training Workshop
Learn how to use the EnviroScape Model to provide fun, hands-on watershed education presentations to youth in Orange County. Are you an educator? Once trained, classroom teachers and youth group leaders can also "check out" our education materials. One-on-one trainings can be arranged to accommodate your schedule.
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Internship Program
To learn more about the program, send an email stating your interest. Internships are competitive and applications are accepted year-round. Students can earn service hours, college credit and meaningful work experience. Interns who complete a three-month unpaid internship are eligible to apply for paid internships as available.
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Orange County Water-Quality Monitoring
Orange County partners with the UF/IFAS LAKEWATCH program to provide volunteers with training and equipment for water-quality testing on local lakes. Volunteers need lake access, a few hours each month to collect samples, transportation to deliver samples, a canoe or watercraft and a one-year-plus commitment to sampling.
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In-School, After-School and Summer Camp Presentations
Teachers and youth group leaders interested in watershed education can request EnviroScape presentations for their students. Presentations are approximately 25 minutes long and are scheduled throughout the academic year and summer months as schedule permits.
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Community
Cleanup Kit
Is your group looking for an environmental project? eVIP has a new kit that helps individuals lead a cleanup and assist in keeping Orange County free of pollution. eVIP provides the supplies, training and support. The project is a good fit for volunteers of all ages and groups of all sizes. Educational materials will be provided as requested.
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Thank you for your interest! |
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If you would like more information on any of the opportunities listed above,
please contact the Orange County Environmental Protection Division Volunteer Coordinator
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Orange County Environmental Protection Division
407-836-1430 | Cell 321-689-8232 | Fax 407-836-1499
3165 McCrory Place, Suite 200, Orlando, FL 32803
Serving our community by conserving, protecting and enhancing the environment for current and future generations.
Copyright © 2022. All Rights Reserved.
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