Volunteers planting trees at Barnett Park. |
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Lend a Hand to make a difference in your Orange County environment and community.
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Fall 2020
Virtual Volunteering 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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eVIP Internship Meet & Greet
November 16, 2020
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Orange County EPD will host a virtual Internship Meet & Greet on Monday, November 16. This networking event is for those interested in volunteering as interns for the spring 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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eVIP Volunteer Internship Reflection
In His Own Words
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My name is Donovan Enos and I am currently an intern with Orange County EPD. I work in the Water Sciences section for my internship. In my position, I do a wide range of tasks. One day I am out collecting samples from a dirty canal, another day I am in the lab. Every day is different and that’s what I love about Water Sciences. I have only been here for a few months but I already have great memories. Just a few weeks ago, I fell into a canal and, although I was dirty, it was a great experience. I love the mix of both office and field work - not many jobs allow you to do both. Everything about my internship is exciting, there is never a dull day working in Water Sciences. It is most definitely hard work, but it is also fun and rewarding. Being able to go out and interact with people in our community is an amazing feeling. After graduating from the University of Central Florida, I plan to stay with EPD with the hopes of becoming a hired employee. I still have a long way to go, but EPD has shown me that there are great careers in the Environmental Science field. I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to work with such a great group of people in my section. If you have a passion for the environmental science field and want valuable experience with great people, join the EPD family. |
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30 Years of Pollution Prevention (P2)
Repairing Everyday Items
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Let’s celebrate 30 Years of Pollution Prevention (P2) by making small changes that contribute to less waste around your home and work place. Repairing everyday personal items instead of sending them off to the landfill can benefit our environment. For an example of a small but significant change, watch Dee, Orange County resident and repair volunteer extraordinaire, as she gives a handy button-sewing lesson. In addition to repairing everyday items, Orange County residents can become Environmental P2 Stewards by reducing, reusing, recycling and repairing. For more information on these tips and ways to become an Environmental Steward, visit here.
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Reduce Water Pollution in Orange County
Request a Speaker for Your Group
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Are you wondering if your landscape is environmentally friendly? Nobody wants to pollute our lakes, rivers and springs, but oftentimes the lawn maintenance regime we use is doing just that. Contact Orange County EPD to request a speaker to teach about the County's ordinances on Fertilizer Management and Water Quality Protection. Presentations to homeowners associations, community organizations, property managers, realtors, congregations or any other interested adult groups are available upon request. Orange County EPD's goal is to help citizens protect our natural resources. Email now to request more information and to set up your group's presentation.
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Sign Up!
Receive More News From EPD
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Would you like to learn more about Orange County 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 © 2020. All Rights Reserved.
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