Volunteer Opportunities  

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed it's the only thing that ever has.”

Margaret Meade, Acclaimed American Anthropologist, 1910-1978

The volunteer corps for the Environmental Lands Division (ELD) represents the fastest-growing section of volunteerism in Pinellas County Government. Over 25% of the County's long-term volunteers donate time and talent to the Division's wide-spectrum conservation programs (including field research, environmental education, facilities management, and administration). With nearly 600 adults and youths actively involved in its corps, the Division has recently garnered several prestigious awards including:

• 2008 “Acts of Caring” National Award from the National Association of Counties

• 2008 1st Place “Future of the Region” Community Service Award from the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council

• 2008 Community Service Grant from the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay

• As well as numerous other recognitions from the United Way; the U.S. Department of the Interior; Keep Pinellas County Beautiful, Inc.; and Pinellas County's “Partners in Public Service” Awards Program.

Mission

The mission of the ELD Volunteer Program is to provide willing citizens ample opportunity to partner with staff to support ecological-based land management, environmental and cultural education, and resource-based recreational opportunities on lands managed by the Division.

During the past five years, the Division's volunteer corps contributed approximately 70,000 hours, an invaluable service of conservation leadership that helped to leverage ever-diminishing public funds.

The ELD manages 4 preserves (Brooker Creek, Mobbly Bayou, Shell Key, and Weedon Island) and 15 management areas, comprising over 15,000 acres of wild lands and waterways throughout Pinellas County. The Division also oversees two premiere education centers: Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center (Tarpon Springs, FL) and Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center (St. Petersburg, FL). Because of its extensive responsibilities for conservation, education, and recreation, the Division provides a wide spectrum of volunteer positions. Regardless of their home addresses, volunteers – whether year-round or winter residents, whether north-county or south-county residents – are never far from volunteer opportunities with the ELD!

What do all ELD volunteers have in common? First of all, they care about the wild lands and waterways of west-central Florida. They're also dedicated to the Division's conservation mission; they're eager to learn; they're honored to represent the program as stewardship ambassadors; they're willing to follow all guidelines and policies of Pinellas County 's volunteer program; and they're ready to commit to a work schedule. Finally, they're ready to make a difference on behalf of the environment!

Program Details

All volunteers are required to register with Pinellas County 's Volunteer Services Program. Those volunteers involved with long-term projects must then attend an orientation class and submit to an official background check. Youths under the age of 18 may volunteer only with the written permission of their parent(s) or guardian(s) who, depending on the project, may also be required to participate along with their child.

County volunteer benefits include:

• Discounts to area events and attractions

• Membership in Pinellas County's Federal Credit Union

• Membership in Pinellas County's physical fitness center

• Opportunities to meet people with similar interests

• On-site training

• Confidence that you are making a difference for the County's wild lands and waterways! As a member of the ELD volunteer corps, you will help us provide sound stewardship of our natural environment and contribute to our surrounding community. What a legacy for future generations!

Volunteer positions are as varied as our many diverse properties: trail guides, exhibit docents, naturalists and interpreters, landscapers, fence-line monitors, trail maintenance workers, clerical assistants, receptionists, surveyors of flora and fauna, providers of community outreach, and much more. Whatever the position, County staff will provide appropriate training and a flexible schedule to meet the ever-changing needs of program volunteers.

To volunteer, please contact the ELD Volunteer Site Coordinator at
(727) 453-6900
or
ELD@pinellascounty.org

Whether you can give one day a week, a month or a year, get involved – we need you!