Are you seeking a purposeful way to contribute to your community and aid in the preservation of Brevard County’s natural landscapes? The Natural Resources Management Department (NRMD) provides a variety of fulfilling volunteer roles suitable for individuals of all ages and experience levels. Volunteering offers an excellent avenue to share your unique abilities, pass on knowledge, develop new skills, or simply help safeguard our local natural environments. We offer a selection of short- and long-term projects designed to create a tangible, positive effect. If you are interested in dedicating some of your time to these important environmental initiatives, please contact the NRMD office at (321) 633-2016 to learn more about how you can participate and make a positive difference.
Join the NRMD Volunteer Team and Make a Difference
Becoming part of the NRMD volunteer team not only supports the environment but also provides personal advantages. You will gain direct insight into our local natural resources and the challenges they face, while also connecting with like-minded individuals dedicated to conservation. Regardless of whether you are an experienced environmental advocate or are just beginning to explore ways to give back, there is a role for you. We believe that working together yields significant results, and your contribution, however modest it may seem, is essential to our ongoing mission. Contact us today to identify the ideal volunteer position that matches your interests and availability.
Marking Storm Drains to Protect Water Quality
One of our primary efforts is the Watershed Program, where volunteers are instrumental in marking and cataloging storm drains. You will help pinpoint locations for marking storm drains within unincorporated Brevard County and the municipalities of West Melbourne and Malabar. Volunteers will then affix special markers to these drains, serving as a significant reminder to the community that daily actions can prevent contaminants from reaching our water systems. Brevard County supplies all necessary materials, straightforward instructions, and safety gear, ensuring your participation in this crucial task is both easy and secure. This program directly contributes to protecting our water quality and the health of our local rivers and bays.
Restoring the Indian River Lagoon
Another engaging project is the Brevard Oyster Gardening Project, a cooperative initiative with the Brevard Zoo. This community-focused program invites residents to become oyster gardeners, helping cultivate oysters that will eventually be introduced into the Indian River Lagoon to enhance water quality. If raising oysters is not your preference, you can also contribute by helping to cultivate clams or grow seagrass. This practical experience allows you to support the restoration of our essential estuarine habitats directly. Detailed information on how to become an oyster gardener is available, presenting a distinctive and impactful method to support our lagoon ecosystem.
For those with a keen eye for detail and a talent for organization, the Stormwater Assessment Clerk position presents a valuable opportunity. You will support our staff with data entry into an Access database, which is vital for tracking and managing important information. While prior experience is beneficial, it is not mandatory as training will be provided. Your responsibilities may include retrieving, printing, and filing property review details obtained from various online sources, as well as scanning and organizing documents to ensure proper record-keeping. This role is well-suited for individuals seeking adaptable hours, with possibilities for both short-term assignments and ongoing involvement.
Protect Wildlife by Recycling Fishing Line
Finally, we have the Monofilament Recovery and Recycling program, which addresses the problem of discarded fishing line. Brevard County maintains over 180 recycling receptacles strategically located along waterways, in parks, at boat launch sites, and near fishing piers and marinas. Volunteers are needed to “adopt” one of these receptacles and empty it of monofilament line monthly. This straightforward yet vital task helps prevent hazardous waste from entering our environment and harming wildlife. To learn more about sponsoring and maintaining a monofilament recycling receptacle, please contact Boating and Waterways at (321) 633-2016 or Agustin Sebastian at Agustin.Sebastian@BrevardFL.gov.
