eVIP Volunteers hiking on Pine Lily Preserve |
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Lend a Hand to make a difference in your Orange County environment and community.
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Summer 2021
Virtual Volunteer Opportunities
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The Orange County Environmental Protection Division continues to enjoy working with volunteers taking part in the new Virtual Volunteering activities. Individuals assist with cleanups and social media postings on various Green PLACE properties. Email today to request more information on the opportunities available. Volunteers can take part in one or more of the projects. See below for details on storm drain labeling, another popular activity that can be done safely. Students seeking volunteer hours will need to gain preapproval from their schools to verify the eligibility of community service hours. |
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Where Are They Now?
Former Intern Update
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Greetings from sunny Central Florida: Natalie Ocampo lives in Orlando with her husband, Rob. Their lives revolve around their rescue dogs, Noel and Bourbon, and having fun in Florida’s great outdoors anytime they can. Natalie graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2014 with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. She started her environmental career at Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) as an intern, assisting Lori Cunniff, former EPD Manager, with outreach and education for Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge. We asked Natalie what she’s been doing since graduating, besides recently getting married, and her experience as an EPD intern.
On what she has been up to: After graduation, the experience I gained from my internship led me to a position with EPD's Compliance Support and Strategic Engagement Program from 2015 - 2016. In 2017, I joined the Pollution Prevention Program, conducting inspections of businesses known to be small quantity generators of potential and identified hazardous waste. Later, I moved to Atlanta and worked for the Georgia Environmental Protection Division's Lead & Asbestos Program. However, I missed Orlando dearly, so I applied for a position with EPD’s Petroleum Restoration Program (PRP) and was fortunately hired!
On notable projects: The goal of the PRP is to protect groundwater (the source of 90% of Florida's drinking water) from petroleum discharges and spills. I learn something new and cool almost every day. It's very rewarding when a site makes progress.
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Thank You!
Storm Drain Labeling Volunteers
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Over the spring months, various storm drain labeling volunteers have worked diligently to increase stormwater awareness in Orange County. Recently, a total of 40 volunteers donated 123 hours to labeling 302 storm drain inlets in Summerlake, Goldenrod/Chickasaw, Corner Lake Estates, Stone Forest and Alafaya Oak Bend. Volunteer groups from Publix, Nautique Boats, University of Central Florida and Orange County Public High School Students signed up to assist in the efforts. Many of the projects incorporated an additional trash pickup component to multiply their impact. Thank you for selecting the Orange County Environmental Protection Division as your partner organization for your projects! |
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30 Years of Pollution Prevention (P2)
Managing Yard Waste
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Untreated stormwater runoff is a leading source of water pollution in Orange County due to pollutants such as fertilizer, grass clippings, litter, oil and pet waste flowing into the storm drain. Water that enters storm drains does not go to a wastewater treatment facility, storm drains in Orange County are connected to systems that either directly or indirectly discharge to lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands. Grass clippings and leaves that are blown into the storm drain can build up over time and create obstructions resulting in a backup that can lead to flooding. If you just moved to a new neighborhood and you are unsure of your yard waste pick up day, view the collection schedule and set out yard waste according to the guidelines. If you would like to request educational material on proper management of yard waste contact [email protected]. Orange County depends on you to help protect our surface waters so they remain safe and healthy for generations to come. For more information about Pollution Prevention (P2), visit Residential Environmental Initiatives.
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Sign Up!
Receive More News From EPD
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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.
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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. Great project for scout groups!
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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.
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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.
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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 one-year-plus commitment to sampling.
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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.
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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.
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If you enjoyed being an eVIP volunteer, please help us get the word out through social media. You can also provide your feedback and offer ideas for improvement! Scan the QR code or click on this link to access the short survey.
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If you are interested in any of the opportunities listed above, please contact the Orange County Environmental Protection Division Volunteer Coordinator
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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 © 2021. All Rights Reserved.
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