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October 2026

Pollution Prevention Week Pine Lily Clean Up Event

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

EPD staff shoutout:

Thank you, Pine Lily Cleanup Attendees

Thank you to our dedicated Green PLACE team for providing materials and on-site support, and our outstanding Pollution Prevention (P2) team for organizing an impactful cleanup event. Together, we removed an impressive 2,700 pounds of glass, metal, and concrete along with 480 pounds of tires, surpassing the totals collected in 2025. This achievement reflects the passion and hard work you brought to the effort. We extend our sincere gratitude for your commitment to making a meaningful difference in our community.

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

October 17, 2026:

Green PLACE Hiking Spree: Natural Communities of Orange County Guided Hike

The Green PLACE program is launching a brand‑new Hiking Spree, inviting residents to explore the natural communities that make Orange County unique. Join us for a guided hike at Savage Christmas Creek Preserve on Saturday, October 17, from 9 to 11 a.m. Families of all ages are welcome to enjoy this scenic adventure and learn about local wildlife and habitats.


If you can’t make this hike, don’t sweat it! This is just the beginning of many upcoming outdoor experiences. The Hiking Spree is a new way to connect with nature and discover our protected lands. Visit the Green PLACE webpage to explore future hikes, events, and opportunities to get involved. Let’s hit the trail together!

Orange County Community Conference

Safer. Stronger. Informed. Together.

Get ready for an exciting day of learning, networking, and community engagement at the Orange County Community Conference!


This annual event brings together residents, neighborhood leaders, community advocates, and local experts for a day of learning, inspiration, and community strengthening. Hear from knowledgeable speakers, discover valuable resources, exchange ideas, and connect with others who share your passion for making a positive impact.


Whether you’re an experienced neighborhood leader or simply seeking new ways to get involved, the conference offers something for everyone.



Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026

Time: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: Orange County Multicultural Center, 7149 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32818

Registration Fee: $10

Learn More: www.ocfl.net/communityconference

Spread the word:

Share this Newsletter with Your Community

Would your friends and family like to learn more about EPD’s volunteer opportunities? Share this newsletter to help them discover upcoming events, sustainability initiatives, National Public Lands Day, restoration projects and more.

 

GET INVOLVED: ONGOING ACTIVITIES

 
Storm Drain Label

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 internship program, send an email stating your interest. Internships are competitive and applications are accepted year-round. Students can earn service hours, college credit and gain 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 "check out" our education materials or request EnviroScape presentations for their students. Presentations are offered year-round as scheduling permits.

Volunteers performing trash pickup

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 open to 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.

tree shaped QR code

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.

Copyright © 2026. All Rights Reserved.