eVIP Volunteers at the 2022 National Public Lands Day Project |
|
Lend a Hand to make a difference in your Orange County environment and community.
|
|
Save the Date!
2023 Invasive Species Blitz
|
Help the Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) & Parks and Recreation curb the growth of invasive plant species at Jay Blanchard Park. This annual event will be held from 9 - 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2023. Please save the date and RSVP to [email protected] for you or your group. A variety of invasive plant species will be removed from the site. Registered volunteers will receive full project details. This is a family friendly event open to all ages and groups. We hope to see you there! |
|
In Her Own Words
Patricia Cruz, Volunteer Intern
|
My internship with the Orange County Environmental Protection Division's (EPD) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program began in May 2022. I knew very little about stormwater systems and was just about to start my junior year as an environmental management student. Going out to construction sites with stormwater inspectors has opened my eyes to how much land development can impact water bodies and surrounding natural areas. From day one, my supervisors Elois Lindsey and Jennifer Thomson have emphasized that our department is the first line of defense against water pollution. Out in the field, it was easy to see how, without the proper Best Management Practices (BMPs) in place, illicit discharges like sediment could quickly lead to poor water quality of natural systems. Over the summer, I also participated in projects to educate the public about waste that we don’t usually think of as illicit discharges. I provided feedback on EPD’s presentation for contractors on how to discharge pool water safely, from the standpoint of someone who has never owned a pool. I also helped pick out images (from hundreds of photos taken by our stormwater inspectors) that are good examples of illicit discharges and BMPs for the new NPDES webpages on the Orange County Water Atlas. My latest project is to help compile the necessary information from multiple departments for our Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit Annual Report. It’s inspiring how much work goes into protecting Florida’s bodies of water and improving the quality of life of Orange County residents. As a distance learning student, I appreciate the hands-on experience gained from serving as an eVIP intern and the warm, welcoming work environment at EPD! |
|
Orange County Community Programs
2022 Holiday Toy Drive & Christmas Box Campaign
|
The Orange County Mayor’s Toy Drive is celebrating 12 years of giving back to the community. With families recovering from the impact of Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, this year’s toy drive is more important than ever. You can help make the holiday season merry and bright for those in need by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy in person or by shopping virtually in our online store. All donations benefit Orange County youth and family agencies.
The Orange County Community and Family Services Department kicked off its annual Christmas Box Campaign last month. This annual campaign encourages individuals to become a “Christmas Sponsor” by funding the purchase of holiday gifts for the more than 40 children residing in Great Oaks Village and the Orange County Youth Shelter, two residential foster care group homes. All proceeds from the Christmas Box Campaign will benefit Orange County youth residing in these group homes. Contributions can be made in person or online.
|
|
Sign Up!
Receive More News From EPD
|
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.
|
|
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!
|
|
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.
|
|
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 training and equipment for water-quality testing. 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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
