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Tradescantia, also known as the Spiderwort flower, captured by volunteer Jamie Vaughn.

Lend a hand and make a difference in Orange County's environment and community.

Protecting the Environment

How Does Orange County Protect the Air We Breathe?

The Orange County Environmental Protection Division’s Air Quality Management Program monitors air quality, enforces clean air laws, and provides residents with resources to make healthier choices.

In 2024, the program monitored pollutants from the I-4 ambient air station, promoted electric vehicle use during Mobility Week, and raised awareness about open burning rules. Staff conducted 381 inspection-related activities, issued 52 enforcement actions and reviewed 204 asbestos projects. Clean air doesn’t just happen — it’s protected. Learn more at Air Quality Management.

We Want to Hear from You!

Composting Needs Survey

Orange County is rolling out a compost pilot program, and we want your feedback! Let us know what you think about at-home composting by completing our brief survey: www.ocfl.net/OCcomposting

Scan the QR code below to be directed to the survey.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

In Her Own Words

eVIP Explore Nature Volunteer, Jamie Vaughn

During the Explore Nature activity, I learned that the Econlockhatchee sandhills are a mix of sandhills, pine flatwoods, and floodplain swamp ecosystems. The sandhills host a variety of native plants, including a beautiful array of yellow, purple, and white wildflowers. About two and a half miles of floodplain swamp along the Econlockhatchee River is protected by St. John's River Water Management District.

Stay Informed:

Receive More News From EPD

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'd like to be included on the email list, please fill out this brief sign-up form.

GET INVOLVED: ONGOING ACTIVITIES

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 support to create an enjoyable and meaningful service project for your group. Please help us keep our surface water clean and storm drains functioning properly. This is a great project for Scout groups!

Girls identifying natural specimen with phone app

The Explore Nature Project

The Explore Nature Project provides an opportunity to help clean up natural lands in Orange County and learn about the countless species in these diverse ecosystems. To view recent observations captured by Explore Nature volunteers, visit eVIP's iNaturalist Project page. Then click "join" to upload and share your finds! Volunteer hours will be verified upon request.

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.

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 commitment of two years or more.

EnviroScape Training and Presentations

Learn how to use the EnviroScape Model to provide fun, hands-on watershed education presentations. Are you an educator? Once trained, classroom teachers and youth group leaders can "check out" our education materials or request EnviroScape presentations for your students. Presentations are offered year-round as scheduling permits.

Group 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 open to volunteers of all ages and groups of all sizes. Educational materials will be provided as requested.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!

If you would like more information on any of the opportunities listed above,

please contact the Orange County Environmental Protection Division Volunteer Coordinator

at evip@ocfl.net or 407-836-1400.

Visit our website

Orange County Environmental Protection Division, a part of the Planning, Environmental and Development Services Department

www.ocfl.net/eVIP

407-836-1400 | 321-689-8232 (cell) | 407-836-1499 (fax)

3165 McCrory Place, Suite 200, Orlando, FL 32803

Serving our community by conserving, protecting and enhancing the environment for current and future generations.