July Volunteer Bulletin

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eVIP volunteers at the Greeneyes Wildlife Preserve Weed Wrangle.

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

Lake Appreciation Month

Help Keep Our Waterways Clean

July is Lake Appreciation Month, and Orange County’s Environmental Protection Division is doing its part to keep our waterbodies clean — but we also need your help.

Wondering how you can contribute?

Start by picking up and properly disposing of pet waste to help prevent spikes in harmful E. coli bacteria levels. Follow local fertilizer and pesticide guidelines to reduce pollutants that can wash into streams and lakes. Always dispose of trash responsibly and recycle when possible to protect lake wildlife from plastic and other debris.

Every small action adds up to a healthier lake ecosystem. What will you do this Lake Appreciation Month to help your local lakes thrive?

We Want to Hear From You:

Orange County Noise Ordinance

If you’re concerned about noise, you're not alone. The Environmental Protection Division is looking for ways to improve the County’s current Noise Pollution Control Ordinance, and we're inviting your feedback.

All the tools and resources you need to participate are available on our webpage. You can share ideas, find upcoming meetings, review the current code, access policy studies, read stakeholder comments and more.

Join us in shaping a more harmonious community. Visit our webpage today and be part of the conversation.

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 also "check out" our education materials. Alternately, request EnviroScape presentations for your students. Presentations are scheduled 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 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

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.