Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) will hold a volunteer and internship information session from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 24 in S-29/30.
ACT is a Gainesville-based non-profit organization whose mission is to protect the natural, historic, scenic and recreational resources in and around Alachua County. ACT protects land through purchase, donation and conservation easements. When measured by the amount and value of land protected, ACT is second in Florida among local land trusts, and is one of the most respected land trusts nationwide.
The volunteer/internship opportunities available are
- petition signature volunteers for Florida Water and Land Legacy (FWLL) campaign – FWLL is a coalition of volunteers and conservation organizations from across the state gathering signatures to put the Florida Water and Land Conservation Amendment on the November 2014 ballot. State funds historically allocated to protecting and restoring critical conservation and restoration efforts will run dry unless voters pass the amendment.
- event planning & staffers – staff ACT tents at area festivals and conferences and dissemination of information to the public in attendance; aid efforts in planning, organizing, staffing and promoting workshops and fundraising events
- land management aids – remove invasive non-native plant species; plant long-leaf pine and wire grass; maintain trails; build boardwalks; participate in general volunteer workdays at ACT properties
- event planning intern – assist ACT staff in planning fundraising events and instructional workshops; identify and contact potential corporate sponsors; draft media materials and graphic art for events; use social media to promote and advertise events
- assistant land management intern – research potential grants for land acquisition; draft grant proposals; assist the ACT land manager in the monitoring and maintenance of conservation lands and easements; participate in land acquisition projects; attend ACT-sponsored workshops
Volunteers must commit to serving two to five hours per week (duration variable) and interns will work five to 10 hours per week for a four-month minimum. The service locations for volunteers are at various areas throughout Gainesville and Alachua County, and the main location for internships is at Prairie Creek Lodge (7204 SE County Road 234, Gainesville), as well as remote locations when applicable. Positions listed are unpaid, however, interns may be eligible for a stipend upon completion.
To learn more about ACT, visit alachuaconservationtrust.org. For volunteer information, email act.volunteerinfo@gmail.com, and for internship information, email act.interns@gmail.com.
The ACT contact is executive director Tom Kay (352-373-1078).
This is sponsored by the Santa Fe College Office of Civic Engagement and Service.