Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Volunteer Information
Volunteers can do many things; greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail. The heart of Homosassa Springs is our employees; the soul is our volunteers. Volunteers are involved in all aspects of the Homosassa operation, without them we could not provide such a high level of experience for our visitors. The Friends of Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs have been extremely supportive through their education, fundraising and special event efforts. The volunteer program at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park provides the community with an opportunity to give something to the park while providing a much-needed work force to enhance the overall operation of the park. This program has grown into one of the largest volunteer programs in the Florida Park Service. Volunteer Service makes up about 40% of the work accomplished in the park.
Welcome to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, one of the most unusual places in the Florida Park Service! All of our staff, which includes full-time employees, OPS employees, and volunteers, play a vital role in our mission to provide a quality recreational experience for our visitors.The Park has seen many changes over the years. As we grow, we will continue to experience a dynamic Park operation. Expect change and embrace it as an opportunity to improve how we do business. We need your help to make Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park the best it can be . Art Yerian, Park Manager
The Homosassa River Alliance proposes to plant native Red Mangrove along our shores. At the same time, the organization will help State agencies turn back the spread of invasive Brazilian Pepper-trees. With the help of local volunteers the River Alliance intends to plant 1000 mangrove seedlings right where the Homosassa River and the Gulf of Mexico meet.
Mangrove-stiltroots stabilize the soil at the waterline, provide cover for young fish and nesting places for birds. The new growth can stop further erosion of the riverbanks and will slow down any incoming storm-surges in future.
Brazilian Peppers are exotic invaders that are crowding out local vegetation along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.
The River Alliance hopes to situate the demo-project in the mouth of the Homosassa River where everyone can follow the growth of the mangroves and the die-back of the pepper-trees.
The project is planned to start in late April 2006. Members of the public are welcome to participate in the planting, boosting its educational value. Cooperation will be sought with local civic groups, garden clubs and service organizations.
Funding for the project is being applied for through a community education grant from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The need for any permits and/or permissions is being evaluated.
The Save the Homosassa River Alliance was established in 1999 to help improve the natural health of the river and of the ecosystems that are supported by it.
For additional info please contact Dan Hillen, Homosassa, 352-621-1202.
