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Florida Volunteer Month

Get involved; Be an FWC volunteer

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During Florida Volunteer Month in April, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is celebrating its many volunteers who contribute time and energy to help conserve fish, wildlife and habitats, and help improve public access and skills related to outdoor experiences such as hunting, fishing, boating and wildlife viewing.

Last year, more than 5,000 volunteers assisted FWC staff with 85 projects around the state.

“We value our volunteers. The positive power of volunteers strengthens our efforts to conserve Florida’s fish and wildife resources,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. “If you want to combine being in Florida’s beautiful outdoors with volunteering, we encourage you to get involved as an FWC volunteer.”

Here are some projects that FWC volunteers are assisting with:

  • Collecting data to increase knowledge of Florida’s imperiled species.
  • Instructing youth, residents and visitors on how to become responsible outdoor recreators.
  • Rescuing marine mammals.
  • Monitoring and restoring oyster reef habitat.
  • Constructing, installing and monitoring nest boxes for southeastern American kestrels and wood ducks.
  • Helping construct and maintain a gravity-fed irrigation system for plants used in scrub habitat restoration.
  • Helping improve visitors’ experiences at many of the FWC’s wildlife management areas.
  • Helping organize scientific data.

Go to MyFWC.com/Get Involved, to see FWC volunteer opportunities available statewide and by region.

Additionally, volunteers can sign-up for projects on the MyFWC.com/Calendar, where a wide range of volunteer opportunities are advertised.

Volunteer Florida Kicks Off April as Florida Volunteer Month

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Every year, the state of Florida recognizes April as Florida Volunteer Month. This year, Volunteer Florida is launching #VF30in30. This new initiative will recognize 30 outstanding Florida volunteers by highlighting one volunteer a day throughout the month of April. Volunteer Florida also announced a statewide public service announcement and a proclamation from Governor Rick Scott.

Governor Scott said, “I’m glad to recognize the service of volunteers across Florida who dedicate their time to make a difference in their communities. Floridians dedicated millions of hours during last year’s devastating hurricane season, and we are proud to honor them in April.”

Volunteer Florida CEO Vivian Myrtetus said, “It is always an honor to recognize the thousands of amazing volunteers throughout our state who work to make a difference in their communities each and every day. We are excited to celebrate this month—to honor and recognize our volunteers, as well as encourage others to learn more about volunteer opportunities throughout the state.”

Florida Volunteer Month activities are as follows:

#VF30in30
Florida is fortunate to have so many outstanding volunteers. During this month of recognition, Volunteer Florida will highlight one of these dedicated volunteers each day in April. To see the volunteers’ profiles, please visit this link.

Volunteer of the Year
For the second year in a row, Volunteer Florida will recognize a Volunteer of the Year. This individual will be recognized for his or her outstanding service and community contributions. Volunteer Florida will announce the Volunteer of the Year in late April.

Public Service Announcement (PSA)
In honor of Florida Volunteer Month and in partnership with Comcast, a video PSA promoting volunteerism will air on Comcast networks across Florida.
Watch the PSA here.

Comcast Cares Day
As part of the Comcast Cares Day, the largest corporate philanthropy day in the nation, Volunteer Florida will host a service project at Poinciana Park Elementary School in Miami on April 10. As part of the project, volunteers will engage 50 students through hands on learning stations, including a healthy eating demonstration, literacy, physical fitness and the arts.

Volunteer Florida encourages Floridians to use the hashtag #ServeFL on social media when sharing their photos and stories of service. To find an existing project or register your own, visit comcastinthecommunity.com.