FORT MYERS, Fla. — Volunteers are needed for Lovers Key State Park and the new Welcome and Discovery Center.
The new facility is a part of the expansion of the park’s public programs.
Volunteers are needed for a variety of exciting new initiatives, Opportunities include:
- Assistance in organizing, promoting, and staging a "Speakers Series" on environmental protection and natural history.
- Promotion and logistical support for an “Eco-Arts Summer Camp” for children and teens.
- Greeters for the Welcome and Discovery Center to orient visitors.
- Creation and implementation of citizen science, stewardship, and research programs.
- Presentations on the natural and human history of coastal Florida by qualified speakers for a ‘Lunch and Learn” series.
- Promotion and strategic planning of an “Artist-in-Residence” program for “kids” of all ages.
- Maintenance of Demonstration Native Plant Garden, Phase I, at the Welcome and Discovery Center.
- Coordination and funding of Phase II Demonstration Native Garden.
- Collaboration on educational signage for gardens and trails with park staff and “Trails for Tails” students (Florida Gulf Coast University Service Learning program).
- Assistance in purchasing, updating, and promoting books about nature and local history for the new book store.
- Fund-raising for all of the above programs.
All volunteers must be willing to undergo training, apply through the Florida State Parks Volunteer Portal, have effective communications skills, and an interest in environmental protection and conservation. A
n in-person meeting of the Education Committee will take place on Tuesday, June 22, 9-11 am, at the Welcome and Discovery Center. For more information, contact Louise Kowitch, Education Coordinator, Friends of Lovers Key, lkowitch@aol.com, or 860-280-1869.
