I began my internship with the Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) in January 2025. As a volunteer student intern working with the Petroleum Restoration Program, I have gained valuable knowledge and developed many skills that will benefit me in my future career. I am currently studying Environmental Engineering at the University of Central Florida and have been able to apply the knowledge learned in this internship to materials learned in the classroom. Being able to see how engineering operations and processes work in the field as well as the many projects at EPD, has made me more interested in the industry and eager to learn more. I also have had the opportunity to shadow other programs within EPD, such as Water Sciences and Air Quality Management, allowing me to gain a wider scope of knowledge and appreciation for what it takes to protect the environment and conserve our resources. I look forward to continuing my internship with the EPD and learning more along the way.

The Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) would like to thank all the volunteers who assisted with storm drain labeling projects last month.

Volunteers from NES Fircroft labeled 20 storm drain inlets near their office and University Boulevard. The group of three worked diligently to educate the community on stormwater runoff by placing the plaques reminding "Only Rain In The Drain"!

In addition, students participating on the Hunter’s Creek Teen Advisory and Service Committee (TASC) removed old, faded labels and installed 76 new labels to storm drain inlets in their community. The group of 16 TASC volunteers spent a collective 44 hours on the project. Your continued efforts to help protect Orange County's watershed are much appreciated!

This April in Orange County we're celebrating our planet all month long, hosting a variety of engaging events designed to inspire action, foster education, and promote environmentally friendly practices. From eco-scavenger hunts and gardening classes to Central Florida Earth Day at Lake Eola, there's something for everyone to enjoy while making a positive impact on our environment. Activities will be both in-person and virtual. Visit our calendar of events for full details.

Would you like to learn more about the Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD)? EPD is excited to share 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.