My internship with the Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) began in July 2024, when I joined the Development Review Program (DRP). Since then, I have participated in many opportunities with DRP and a variety of other EPD teams! I am currently a junior at Rollins College, double majoring in Biology and Environmental Studies. This experience with EPD has been both relevant and vital to my future in graduate school and the professional world. In the past, I worked with many NGOs and labs, but never a governmental organization. 

From the first day, the DRP team welcomed me with open arms. I couldn't ask for better people to work with. They are kind, intelligent and spirited, and I am constantly learning from them. My primary role has been assisting in the File Conversion Project, organizing past DRP files within the rolling cabinet that will be boxed up to be digitally scanned and uploaded into the LDMS database. Furthermore, I have attended Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) public hearings and community meetings with DRP staff, where I enjoyed seeing the importance of the DRP work in action and listening to relevant environmental and development concerns from citizens.

In all of my shadowing for other programs, they teach by having me do and experience rather than just telling me information. I have had the privilege to shadow Green PLACE, Natural Resources Compliance & Enforcement, Water Sciences and Lakes Management. By joining EPD staff in the field and lab, I was able to see a day in their lives and understand the impact of their subject expertise.

I am happy to share that I was recently promoted to a paid student intern position. I am excited to continue this internship and work with this incredible, dynamic group of people!

University of Central Florida student Matthew Nunley has dedicated 15 service-learning hours this semester to projects with the Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD). Matthew's work included labeling 15 storm drain inlets in his neighborhood and visiting three natural lands through the Explore Nature project. EPD very much appreciates all the time and effort Matthew and his family gave to helping protect Orange County's environment. Read on to learn more about their visit to Hal Scott Preserve.

"As part of the service-learning project for my Foundations of Environmental Studies class, I did an Explore Nature cleanup at Hal Scott Preserve. Although it was a warm day, it was quite pleasant weather. We saw many families out on the trails. As we completed the cleaning, we saw numerous animals including Brown-headed Nuthatch, as well as some dogs and horses (although I doubt those are native to the area). The small cypress grove along the Red Fire trail provided some nice shade as well as a distinct habitat area. There were also many interesting plants including rattlepods and pine lily."

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.