Volunteer Labeling Storm Drain Inlet |
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Lend a Hand to make a difference in your Orange County environment and community.
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Spring 2021
Virtual Volunteer Opportunities
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The Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) wants to make it safe and convenient for volunteers to remain engaged and earn volunteer hours during these challenging times. We are piloting new ways for volunteers to assist the Green PLACE program, including a virtual hike, social media postings and clean ups. 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 eVIP Intern Update
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Aloha from Hawaii! When she’s not working, you can find former intern Allison Hutto “living the dream” on a local beach (see photo). Allison graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2017 with a bachelor's in Environmental Studies. She started her internship with the Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) by assisting with outreach and education for Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge. We asked Allison some questions about what she’s been up to since graduating and her experience as an EPD intern.
On what she has been up to: After graduation, I worked in EPD’s Water Sciences lab until 8/2018 when I accepted a position with the Hawaii Department of Health (HDOH). I currently live on the island of Oahu serving HDOH as a Project Officer with the Underground Storage Tank Section, managing the remediation of petroleum contaminated sites. I'm also a member of the HI Air National Guard as a Space Operations Officer. If I'm not at work, you can find me on a surfboard!
On notable projects: I have one interesting site that is in the public eye and has extensive active remediation being conducted. There have been lots of hiccups, but I love that it keeps me on my toes! I also have the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from the HDOH Hazard Evaluation and Emergency Response Office on difficult sites with a vast array of contaminants.
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Volunteer Intern Meet & Greet
March 25, 2021
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The Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) will host a virtual Internship Meet & Greet on Monday, March 25. This networking event is for those interested in volunteering as interns for the summer and fall semester. At the Meet & Greet, EPD staff will conduct brief interviews with candidates and describe current internship opportunities. Current application and enrollment in school is required. Candidates must RSVP to participate.
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Only Rain in the Drain
New Training Video
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Winter Park High School senior Cole Mohanna has helped the Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) label more than 100 storm drain inlets across the County! Cole took his storm drain labeling project an extra step by producing a video to assist in virtually training volunteers how to label inlets. Read about how you can get involved and how these labels help remind residents “Only Rain in the Drain.”
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30 Years of Pollution Prevention (P2)
Laptop Batteries
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Pollution Prevention (P2) starts with you and the Orange County Environmental Protection Division (EPD) would like to encourage you to Fix It, Don’t Pitch It! Many of us have been spending more time using our personal laptops and you may be experiencing unexpected power issues, a slow charge or overheating. If these are consistent problems you may need a new battery. You can call your local electronics store and ask if they carry replacement laptop batteries or order one online. In this short video Rob will show you how to replace a laptop battery. Be mindful of your computer warranty conditions and if you are an intern or work for Orange County, reach out to your supervisor if experiencing laptop issues. Used batteries contain heavy metals and need to be properly recycled once removed from a laptop so ask the staff at your local electronics store if you can drop it off there or contact [email protected] to request guidance. You can make a difference when you reduce, reuse, REPAIR and recycle in your home. For more information about Pollution Prevention (P2), visit Residential Environmental Initiatives.
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My Yard My Springs
Wekiva Springshed
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The Wekiva Springshed covers 286 square miles across Lake, Orange and Seminole counties and is known to recharge the waters in our natural springs. Nitrogen fertilizer washes off our yards and drains into our springs, contributing to water pollution and algae growth. Help keep our lakes, rivers and springs clean for wildlife and recreational purposes. This winter season, think warm thoughts…plan your spring-friendly garden! Save time and money by replacing part or all of your lawn with easy-to-maintain Florida-friendly shrubs or flowers. Learn more about how you can help to protect the Wekiva Basin.
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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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