Osceola National Forest Seeks Volunteers for Summer Months

The Osceola National Forest is seeking volunteers to fill several positions.

“Volunteers help out in all sorts of ways and are a great asset during peak summer months when winter volunteers return north,” said Debra Stucki, District Recreation Program Manager.  “This is a great opportunity for volunteers to serve on national forest lands, enhance their skills and build an appreciation for the forest’s natural and cultural resources.”

Positions that need to be filled include Ocean Pond Campground Host, Olustee Beach Day-Use Area Volunteer and Maintenance Assistant.  For more information on the positions, log onto the Forest Service Website.

Volunteers of all ages can apply to become a volunteer.  Individuals under 18 years old may volunteer with signed permission from a parent or guardian.

Additionally, the Osceola National forest is taking applications through the AmeriCorps program for a member to serve as Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator.  The member will conduct service projects that include:  assisting with volunteer program administration; providing interpretation and environmental education programs for local communities; building an understanding of the forest’s natural and cultural resources; and serving as a Forest Service ambassador to visitors.  Candidates must complete 900 hours of service over six months and will receive a small monthly stipend.

The Osceola National Forest, at 299,185 acres, is within short driving distance from Jacksonville, Gainesville and Tallahassee.  Outdoor recreational activities are centered on Ocean Pond, a 1,760-acre natural lake that includes campgrounds, beaches, hiking, fishing, boating and OHV and equestrian trails.  Other attractions include the Florida National Scenic Trail, Olustee Battlefield State Park and Big Gum Swamp Wilderness.

For more information on volunteering, contact Debra Stucki at (386) 752-2577 or e-mail at dstucki02@fs.fed.us.  Interested applicants can also go to www.volunteer.gov/gov to fill out an application.  For information on the AmeriCorps Program, contact Katie LaJeunesse at (850) 523-8585 or e-mail at klajeunesse@fs.fed.us.