I wanted to share a bit about my internship with the Orange County Environmental Protection Division's (EPD) Development Review Program. As a senior at the University of Central Florida pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with a minor in Urban & Regional Planning, this internship has deepened my understanding of the Development Review process and furthered my interests in both planning and environmental protection. I've been working on transferring existing plan information into our online EDRP database. Through this project, I’ve learned about the various aspects of plan development, including the different plan types, their steps to approval, the necessary permits and the significant role wetlands play in Florida's ecosystem. As part of the Development Review team, I attend weekly meetings to discuss the plan agenda for upcoming public hearings. I also had the chance to attend a Planning & Zoning Commission meeting, where I was able to see the intersection of policy, planning and community engagement. During my internship, I’ve had the opportunity to shadow departments such as NPDES, the Water Sciences Program, the Lake Management Program and the Air Quality Management Program. Each shadowing experience was extremely informative, and I really appreciate each department allowing me the opportunity to learn firsthand the individual roles they play at EPD! Following my initial volunteer internship, I’ve since been promoted to a paid student intern. I look forward to the upcoming months and know my time here will be extremely valuable post-graduation. I’d also like to give a special shoutout to Tim, Alyse, Kate, Mary-Parker, Amanda and Mozye for being such a great team! 

The next Jr. Naturalist class will be held on Saturday, November 11. Join the Orange County Environmental Protection Division for a morning of birdwatching at the Johns Lake Conservation Area. Learn what you need to get started birding and how to identify birds using field clues and sound. Register today! Send an email for more information and to receive future class announcements.

Saving water starts with you! When you change your clock, change your irrigation timer too! One-day-a-week watering goes into effect with the end of Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, Nov. 5. Learn more and find your designated watering day.

Orange County is proposing changes to its Wetland Conservation Areas Ordinance. The goals of these changes include identifying and protecting priority wetlands and surface waters, balancing wetland protections with property rights, making processes more streamlined, predictable and consistent, and making the ordinance easier to understand. Learn more and share a good idea or comment online.

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.