National Public Lands Day

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Come join the Orange County Environmental Protection Division as we celebrate National Public Lands Day on two separate Orange County Green PLACE properties: Johns Lake Conservation Area and Pine Lily Preserve. The Green PLACE (Park Land Acquisition for Conservation and Environmental Protection) program preserves, enhances and restores environmentally sensitive lands, which is important to protect wildlife and plant species.

National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with the participation of 700 volunteers, and just last year about 175,000 volunteers worked in various sites throughout the country and Puerto Rico. It has become the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort in support of public lands.

The first site at Johns Lake is located in west Orange County near Winter Garden. The eVIP Volunteers at Johns Lake will help EPD enhance the property, which is soon to be opened to the public. The main focus of the project will be creating picnicking areas for visitors.

The second site at Pine Lily Preserve is located in east Orange County in Bithlo. Volunteers at Pine Lily Preserve will participate in a guided hike highlighting wildflowers and photography. The property is designated as a Great Florida Birding Trail and it is home to the Florida-native pine lily, a threatened plant species that flourishes in wet flatwoods. Colorful wildflowers are found throughout this preserve - making for beautiful photos at this unique property.

Orange County will provide all necessary training, supplies and support to create an enjoyable and meaningful service project!

For more information or to RSVP for either site, please email Carrie Mohanna at evip@ocfl.net.