What happens when two groups of young women wanting to do a service project at Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve met the Oyster Corps? First, a lot of vertical oyster gardens (VOGs) were made. Second, the role of oysters in the ecosystem became much clearer, and beyond that, a positive, constructive role for humans in the watershed became inspiring.
Van Morrison’s song “Tupelo Honey” contains the line “You can’t stop us ‘cause our eyes can see.” In the case of tupelo honey, we might add “’ cause our tongues can taste.” Tupelo trees and honey were featured in Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve’s second summer spotlight. Several visitors took part in a blended honey vs. tupelo blind taste test. The results were clear.
Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center recently welcomed a group from STARability Foundation’s Trailblazer Academy, a program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The group enjoyed a personalized tour with volunteer CJ Deal, a retired educator and a current bowling coach with Southwest Florida’s Special Olympics.
Volunteer Florida (officially recognized as the Florida Commission on Community Service) receives over $75 million in federal and state funding to support our efforts to expand national service, promote disaster resiliency and advocate for volunteerism in Florida. The agency is guided by a bipartisan board of Commissioners, who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate. Download our latest Annual Report here.
In 1994, Volunteer Florida was established to administer national service programs, such as AmeriCorps, throughout the state. Today, the majority of these programs are education-based, but grantees are also actively working to protect public land, end homelessness and help adults with developmental disabilities live independently.
After Hurricane Andrew hit Florida, Volunteer Florida evolved to serve as the state’s lead agency for mobilizing volunteers and coordinating donations before, during and after disasters. The Volunteer Florida Foundation also manages the Florida Disaster Fund, the official fund for aiding Florida’s communities after disasters.
Finally, Volunteer Florida exists to endorse volunteerism as a solution to critical issues in Florida. The agency hosts annual community service projects (i.e. Suits for Session) and manages Florida’s official volunteer opportunities platform, Volunteer Connect.
The Aquatic Preserve Society is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization advancing the protection and mission of Florida's Aquatic Preserves. The Aquatic Preserve Society's goal is to protect, conserve and restore these unique natural resources through public awareness and support. Aquatic Preserves are managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection.
The Estero Bay Buddies (EBB) is a non-profit citizen support organization for the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve and the Estero Bay Preserve State Park. The mission of the EBB is to support the further protection, conservation, restoration, management and enhancement of the natural and cultural resources of the coastal and aquatic ecosystems of the Estero Bay estuary and watershed for the enjoyment and appreciation of current and future generations.
The Friends of Biscayne Bay (FOBB) is a non-profit citizen support organization that focuses on supporting the health and prosperity of the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves (BBAP).
The Friends of the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves (FCHAP) is a citizen support organization for the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves and the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. Established in 1995, the Friends provide funding, material and volunteer support for staff to facilitate management of the preserves and park.
Friends of GTM Research Reserve is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit citizen support organization working with the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research (GTMNERR) to champion the preservation and enhancement of our coastal treasures. As advocates and enthusiasts, Friends of GTM Research Reserve plays a crucial role in providing vital financial and volunteer support for the reserve’s initiatives, from research and education programs to habitat restoration projects.
Friends of Our Florida Reefs (FOFR) is a registered 501c3 nonprofit citizen support organization run entirely by volunteers dedicated to conserving and protecting over 100 miles of coral reef in Southeastern Florida. Together with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, we work to protect Florida’s Coral Reef by bridging the gap in funding, providing education on and offline, community outreach events and to complement the program's activities set forth by the Coral Reef Conservation Program and the Coral Protection and Restoration Program.
Our Friends stand for clean water, environmental protection and a pristine coastline that supports recreational activities such as kayaking and birding as well as commercial endeavors like eco-tourism and fishing. So many of our Friends are drawn to Southwest Florida because of the beautiful and amazing environment, and they want to see it protected for generations to come. That’s why they — like you — invest in Friends of Rookery Bay, a 501(c)(3) citizen support organization.
The Friends of St. Joseph Bay Preserves, Inc., is a non-profit citizen support organization established in 2003 to protect and preserve one of the most ecologically significant areas in the Southeastern United States, and to support the St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve and St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve.
The Friends of the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and was founded in 2019. This citizens support group supports the efforts of the Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves.
Staff at Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves rely on volunteers to help with restoration projects, monitoring efforts, and education & outreach events. If you're looking to get to know Florida's aquatic ecosystems, grow environmental stewardship, and make friends, along the way, we'd love to have you!
Friends of the Reserve is a non-profit citizen organization established in 1987 to support program funding, environmental education, stewardship of natural and cultural resources, and scientific research of the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR). Through citizen involvement and community partnerships, F.O.R. is a valued contributor to the success of ANERR.
Friends of the Spoil Islands is a citizen support organization for the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserve office.
The St. George Lighthouse Association preserves the Cape St. George Light and its Keepers House Museum and educates the public about the history and importance of the lighthouse.
Florida’s Coral Reef stretches almost 350 miles from the Dry Tortugas to the St. Lucie Inlet. It’s the only coral reef system in the continental United States and is home to over 40 species of reef-building corals that provide shelter, food and breeding sites for millions of plants and animals.
The Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network is a coordinated system of more than 80 volunteers who regularly conduct water quality monitoring throughout the six local aquatic preserves in southwest Florida. The monitoring network ranges across Lemon Bay, Gasparilla Sound-Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island Sound, Matlacha Pass, San Carlos Bay and Estero Bay estuaries.
Volunteers play an integral role in the Rookery Monitoring and Protection Program at Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. They help conduct nest count surveys, record data and — with proper training — captain the boat. Regardless of birdwatching experience, this is a great opportunity to learn! The data that volunteers collect are published and used to make management decisions within the bay and across the state.
Opportunities are diverse – volunteers greet visitors, conduct tours and special events, remove exotic plants, and maintain beaches, waterways and trails.