AmeriCorps Florida State Parks: “Getting Things Done”

Since 1997, AmeriCorps Florida State Parks has been fulfilling its mission “to serve and strengthen Florida State Parks’ natural and cultural resources by addressing critical environmental and human needs.”

The program consists of a team of 10 in Tallahassee, a team of 12 in Apopka, and 30 other individuals placed in 21 parks across the state. Each team participates in activities that range from recruiting volunteers to clearing and maintaining trails. In the past 10 years, Florida State Parks AmeriCorps has maintained more than 100,000 acres of land, presented 600 Environmental Education Programs to more than 1,000 park visitors, and recruited more than 6,000 volunteers who served 100,000 hours.

“Our program focuses on environmental education, volunteer recruitment and management, and resource management. We want to do as much as possible to ensure that future Floridians are able to enjoy the natural beauty that our state has to offer,” said Lorraine Elder, State Program Coordinator.

AmeriCorps Florida State Parks also serves in times of disaster. Because they are among Florida’s trained first responders, they often stay weeks until the aftermath has passed. Members have been instrumental in helping Emergency Support Function 15, Volunteers and Donations, fulfill needs in Florida’s communities during these disasters. For more information contact Joni Ellis, at AmeriCorps@dep.state.fl.us.