July 2026

Student Intern Sampling Lake Water

Dear Readers,

Thank you for taking steps towards becoming environmental stewards. The environmental Volunteer and Internship Program (eVIP) wants to know what brings you to our events or motivates you to volunteer with us. Please follow this link to take a short survey about our program to help serve your community better: Survey Link

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

This Lakes Appreciation Month, Orange County residents can help protect local waterways by volunteering with the UF/IFAS Florida LAKEWATCH program. In partnership with Orange County, LAKEWATCH trains and equips volunteers to monitor the health of local lakes through monthly water sampling.

Volunteers collect samples from designated lake sites and deliver them to approved drop-off locations for analysis. The data helps scientists, environmental managers and local partners track water quality, identify changes over time and make informed decisions to protect Orange County’s lakes.

By donating just a few hours each month, volunteers become citizen scientists and environmental stewards. Whether you live on a lake or simply value clean water, LAKEWATCH is a meaningful way to support wildlife habitat, recreation and the natural beauty of Central Florida’s lakes all year long. Learn more about the LAKEWATCH program at this link.

Are you a recent environmental graduate or someone hoping to get a foot into Central Florida’s environmental or construction fields? The Sustainable Workplace Alliance is offering a free, intensive 3 ½ week job training program designed to give you the skills and certifications needed to enter these fast-growing industries. Scan the QR code or use this link to apply to this limited opportunity! For questions you can contact the Community Outreach Manager, Mr. Leyva at emailcareertraining@sustainablewp.org or by phone at

(813)767-3321. 

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

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! 

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 gain 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 their 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!

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.

Copyright © 2026. All Rights Reserved.