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September 2026

A Florida Native Plant American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Volunteer shoutout:

Thank You to Landon and Gina

The Environmental Protection Division (EPD) would like to recognize two returning volunteers, Landon and his mother, Gina, for their continued dedication to protecting Orange County’s natural areas. Together, they have contributed some 24 hours of service through activities such as cleaning up the Pine Lily Preserve and the Econlockhatchee Sandhills Conservation Area, as well as labeling storm drain inlets throughout the community. During one of their volunteer outings, Landon and Gina also took the initiative to kindly remind a group filming in one of our natural lands to clean up after themselves. Their respectful outreach supported EPD’s mission by promoting responsible use of these ecologically sensitive areas and encouraging visitors not to litter.


Their efforts have made a meaningful impact. To date, Landon and Gina have collected nine bags of litter and recyclables, removed an abandoned E‑bike, and labeled 39 storm drain inlets with “Only Rain in the Drain” medallions, helping educate residents about the connection between storm drains and water quality. Rain or shine, hot or cold, Landon and Gina exemplify a strong commitment to the sustainability of our county. EPD is truly grateful for their ongoing support and environmental stewardship.

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

September 26, 2026:

National Public Lands Day

Calling all conservationists! Bring your families, friends, volunteer groups and join the Orange County Environmental Protection Division for National Public Lands Day (NPLD). This event will be from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 26 at the Lake Lucie Conservation Area. This gathering will include fencing removal, some trash cleanup and invasive plant species removal. Whether it be to earn volunteer hours, to make a difference in your community, or to spend time doing something for Mother Earth, Orange County EPD encourages you to come out and show our planet some love!


Lake Lucie Conservation Area is about 200 acres of environmentally sensitive land that the Orange County Green PLACE program has acquired and is now restoring back to its natural features. By participating in NPLD, you can drive change and help shield biodiversity within your community. After the event, join us for a guided hike along the trail. To reserve your spot, please email eVIP@ocfl.net .

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.