To promote an understanding of the fragile balance between mankind and the environment by educating visitors about Lake Apopka basin's ecosystems and cultural history, and by restoring and conserving the lands within the Preserve. 

Share your enthusiasm and appreciation of the environment, increase your own knowledge of the natural world, spend time outside and meet people with similar interests.

Our organization encourages the teamwork of employees and volunteers so that we can effectively educate visitors and restore and conserve the lands within the Preserve. Volunteers contribute their unique talents, skills, and abilities to complete physical and non-physical tasks, enable the paid staff to concentrate on the work for which they were trained, and educate the public about our organization and its cause. Every hour you invest here helps the Preserve provide more opportunities for our community to explore, learn about, and develop an appreciation for the environment.

Due to the large number of volunteer requests we receive, all volunteers must register and schedule their visits in advance. Please submit an application here.   

Individuals

Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to volunteer; for those under the age of 18, please refer to the age requirements listed below.

• High school aged volunteers (14-17 yrs) are welcome with written parental consent.

• Middle school age volunteers (11-13 yo) are welcome with a parent (one parent/guardian - working as a volunteer - for each 2 children volunteering).

• Elementary school age volunteers (8-10 yo) are welcome with a parent (one parent/guardian - working as volunteer - for each child volunteering).

• ACS and other court-ordered Community Service Volunteers are not permitted to bring children to the Preserve while completing service hours, no exceptions.

Groups

If your school, scout troop, employer, or church would like to participate in a group volunteer project, please email our Volunteer Coordinator at Volunteer@OaklandNaturePreserve.org.

Volunteer Opportunities

1. Restoration and Maintenance
2. Museum Docent and Office
3. Youth Volunteer Programs

4. Events -  Such as Nature Fest, Pumpkin Glow, Pours at the Preserve

Additional information on volunteer opportunities.

What to Bring 

• A refillable water bottle

• Food or snacks for energy

• Gardening or work gloves and a hat if you are working around the property

What to Wear 

• Apply sunscreen and insect repellent before arriving

• Wear comfortable, close-toed shoes that can get dirty

• Wear a hat and pants for sun and leg protection

Do Not Bring 

• Any devices that can get lost or dirty or cause distractions

• Young children or infants that are unable or not scheduled to participate

Please review our Volunteer Manual especially if you are a new volunteer or it has been a while since you volunteered at the Preserve.

Questions?  Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at (407)905-0054 or volunteer@OaklandNaturePreserve.org. 

Our Volunteer Coordinator is part-time and checks emails during working hours. If you need a more immediate reply, please call the office.