Timucuan Parks Foundation together with their JaxParks partner will be offering volunteer opportunities this summer in local parks and preserves throughout Jacksonville to maintain and clean up these natural spaces. The first service event is June 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Bulls Bay Preserve at 8017 Old Plank Rd. where volunteers will be assisting with trail maintenance and litter pickup in the preserve.
All volunteers should wear closed-toe shoes and clothes that can get dirty. Bring work gloves (if possible), sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle. Timucuan Parks Foundation will have additional work gloves, equipment and supplies, and will provide snacks and water.
Volunteers of all ages are welcome and can use this volunteer event to earn community service hours. Those under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or scout leader during the project. Registration is not required. Waivers can be obtained in advance at timucuanparks.com/volunteer/.
Additional volunteer opportunities will be available throughout the summer. Each event will be held from 9 a.m. until noon. TPF and JaxParks will be leading trail maintenance and cleanup at Losco Regional Park on June 23; trail maintenance on a rough-cut trail off the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail on July 7; maintenance of the trails and pollinator garden at Castaway Island Preserve on July 21, and shoreline cleanup at Reddie Point Preserve on Aug 4.
Jacksonville’s preservation parks were chosen strategically to provide access to all residents and ecosystem benefits to the entire area. Not only do they provide a buffer to control urban sprawl and form a “ring of parks” to define Jacksonville, but they also provide ecosystem services that protect us from disasters. Trail maintenance, shoreline cleanups, invasive plant removals, native planting and other maintenance and beautification projects are vitally important to the health and resiliency of our parks, preserves, and the overall community.
For more information, email info@timucuanparks.org or call (904) 374-1107.
Volunteer projects will be held June 9, June 23, July 7, July 21 and Aug. 4
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.