Contact: Kelly White, (904) 616-8754, kelly@kwhitecommunications.com
Timucuan Parks Foundation invites the community to take part in its Summer Self-Guided Volunteer Cleanup Program
The program is a chance to earn community service hours this summer through environmental stewardship
Jacksonville, Fla., June 10, 2025 – Timucuan Parks Foundation (TPF) is launching its self-guided volunteer cleanup program for the summer months. The nonprofit invites the community to participate in environmental stewardship projects at wilderness parks and preserves across the city from now through September. Students and community members can earn community service hours by helping to clean up litter and improve the parks that are available for everyone to enjoy.
“While students are out of school this summer, it is a great time to spend time in our local wilderness parks and preserves and make a difference in the community,” said Felicia Boyd, TPF program and outreach coordinator. “This program allows everyone to become an environmental steward on their own time. It is easy - pick a park and get to work. This is also a great way to explore our amazing parks, while leaving them a little better.”
Participants can choose from the city, state, or national parks in the area, which can be found at timucuanparks.org/parks (parks not listed on the website are also eligible for the program). Volunteers are encouraged to invite friends or family to join them. They are advised to dress appropriately for the weather, wear clothes that can get dirty, and wear closed-toe shoes. TPF suggests wearing a hat to protect from the sun. Bring trash bags, protective gloves, and a camera or phone to document the work. Insect repellent, sunscreen, water, and snacks are also highly recommended.
To complete the program and earn two hours of community service, volunteers should spend at least an hour and a half picking up litter and must document their work through photographs. The trash bags should be filled to about half or three-quarters full to allow for easy lifting and tying. They should be left in an available trash receptacle or carried out and disposed of.
Before-and-after selfies, as well as a final photograph with the trash bags, are required and should be emailed to volunteer@timucuanparks.org. If possible, please share these on social media, tagging the park location with #tpfcleanup or @timucuanparks. The parks cleanup form must be filled out to earn community service hours and can be found at https://www.timucuanparks.org/self-guided/.
For those who would prefer to join TPF for an upcoming “guided” environmental stewardship opportunity, visit https://www.timucuanparks.org/volunteer/. All are welcome.
About Timucuan Parks Foundation
Timucuan Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization that preserves, promotes and enhances Jacksonville’s natural areas through community engagement, education and enjoyment. The foundation originated in 1999 with the Preservation Project Jacksonville, Inc. to identify and assist in acquiring the most vulnerable and environmentally sensitive lands in Duval County. The acquisition of lands created the largest urban park system in the United States. TPF works with its park partners, including the National Park Service, Florida State Parks and the City of Jacksonville, and other community partners to promote environmental stewardship, the health benefits of the parks and preserves, and an appreciation for Jacksonville’s special outdoor spaces. For more information, visit timucuanparks.org or follow @timucuanparks.