Orlando North, Seminole County isn’t defined by imaginary lines on a map but by our passion for taking care of the people and places that make life sweet. The spirit of giving back runs deep in our area, and if you’ve been looking for an opportunity to take part in a worthy cause while experiencing the beauty of Florida, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re looking to make a financial contribution, or you’d like to donate your time and resources, there is no shortage of chances for you to make your mark – the doors are always open to honorary neighbors looking to improve the world around them. Keep reading to discover volunTOURISM options in Orlando North, Seminole County, and learn what local groups are doing to contribute to the area.
ADOPT-A-PARK PROGRAM
Do you love being outside? Have a passion for keeping nature clean? Really dislike litter? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Adopt-A-Park Program might be the right volunteer opportunity program for you. What exactly is it? Volunteers in this program facilitate the monitoring, clean-up, and enhancement of parks, natural lands, trails, and trailheads maintained by Orlando North, Seminole County. Activities include trash pick-up, graffiti reporting, weeding and raking playground and landscape areas, sweeping shelters, cleaning picnic tables, mulching trees and shrubs, and trailblazing. These events take place usually once a month, and volunteers of all ages are encouraged to come out and join the movement.
ADOPT-A-RIVER PROGRAM
Orlando North, Seminole County is home to countless waterways, and it takes work to keep them looking pristine. There’s nothing better than a relaxing day on clear waters, and no one wants to see a candy wrapper floating next to their inner tube. This program facilitates the monitoring, clean up, and enhancement of river segments in the county and is open to individuals and organizations interested in helping the environment.
ANIMAL SERVICES
If your favorite company has four paws, then Orlando North, Seminole County has the opportunity of a lifetime for you. If you ask us, the only thing that could make a vacation to our corner of Central Florida any better is spending a couple of hours with man’s best friend—and with the “Hound Around Town” program starting in September 2022, you can do just that. If you’re 18 or older, you can visit Seminole County Animal Services and take a dog on a two-hour adventure that neither you or the pup will ever forget! You can take your new pal to a dog-friendly location, enjoy the sunshine, and have a great time. Just make sure to avoid dog parks and off-leash areas to ensure the safety of the dog. If you decide two hours isn’t enough, all the dogs participating in this program are available for adoption!
FLORIDA LAKEWATCH PROGRAM
For water lovers with a knack for science, the Florida LAKEWATCH Program is an amazing opportunity that allows volunteers to take part in the only research program gathering monthly data to study such a large number and a wide variety of Florida’s lakes. Sponsored by the University of Florida, any volunteers with access to any type of boat can spend two hours each month on your lake, and those who are willing to monitor for a least a year may be eligible to participate.
LEISURE SERVICES
If you’re willing to be put to work wherever you’re needed most, look into volunteering with Orlando North, Seminole County Leisure Services. These services, including parks, trails, natural land, and the Museum of Seminole County History, need volunteers to assist with trail and grounds maintenance, youth programs, events, scorekeeping, administrative support, and more! Individuals or groups of adults and high school students (ages 14 and up) are encouraged to apply to start making a difference today
SEMINOLE EDUCATION, RESTORATION AND VOLUNTEER (SERV) PROGRAM
The Seminole County Lake Management Program (SCLMP) and the Seminole Education, Restoration, and Volunteer (SERV) Program are welcoming volunteers to participate in a unique opportunity to spend the day on the lake to improve our waters! SCLMP is a collaborative effort between county biologists, lake residents, community volunteers, and participating agencies to actively restore and improve the water bodies in Orlando North, Seminole County on a lake-wide level. By planting native, beneficial vegetation, and removing harmful invasive plants, we are able to see a noticeable difference in the health of our waterways and volunteers can experience the fruit of their
labor.
MASTER GARDNER VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
It’s time to put your green thumb to good use! The Master Gardener program trains horticulture volunteers for UF/IFAS Extension throughout Florida to increase the community’s access to horticultural information and to improve the quality of life for the residents of each county in Florida through horticulture volunteer activities. These activities may include answering horticultural questions over the phone, in person, or through the media, participating in public service projects, giving educational programs, supporting youth activities, assisting in field research, or other special activities.
UF/IFAS EXTENSION
Last, but certainly not least, you can volunteer with UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County, a cooperative partnership between Seminole County Government and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. General volunteers are needed for programs, events, and in-office support. Program content focuses on sustainable agriculture, gardening and landscaping, and family and consumer sciences so you can have a hands-on experience with a variety of subjects during your time as a volunteer!
No matter which volunteer opportunity inspires you into action, the only thing that matters is that you get out there and try something new! Find out more about giving back in Orlando North, SeminoleCounty on their website so you can get involved and leave the area even better than you found it.