The program provides a chance to earn community service hours through environmental stewardship
Jacksonville, Fla., July 11, 2024 – Community members can now earn community service hours by participating in Timucuan Park Foundation's Self-Guided Volunteer Cleanup Program, a part of the nonprofit's environmental stewardship. The summer edition of the program is currently underway and runs through September. Students and community members can become TPF park stewards by helping clean up litter throughout local wilderness parks and preserves.
"This self-guided volunteer program allows the community to help us with our environmental stewardship efforts on their own schedule, providing a more flexible option for many," said Felicia Boyd, project and outreach director for TPF. "This program is part of our overall environmental stewardship initiative, designed to improve resilience, restore habitat, and combat pollution in local wilderness parks and preserves while engaging community members in these natural spaces."
Those interested in participating in the self-guided cleanup program should first choose a park to clean up from any of the area's city, state, or national parks. A list of some of the parks we support can be found at timucuanparks.org/parks, but parks not listed are also eligible for cleanup events. TPF encourages participants to bring along a friend or family member and dress appropriately for the weather and task with breathable clothes that can get dirty, closed-toe shoes, and a hat. Volunteers should 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, participants must pick up litter for approximately one and a half or more hours and document the work through photographs. The trash bags should be filled about half or three-quarters full to allow for easy lifting and tying and should be left in an available trash receptacle or carried out and thrown away.
Before-and-after selfies, as well as a final photograph with the trash bags, are required. They should be emailed to volunteer@timucuanparks.org and shared, if possible, on social media along with the park location using #tpfcleanup or @timucuanparks. Please fill out the parks cleanup form to earn community service hours, which can be found at https://www.timucuanparks.org/self-guided/.
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.