Service learning opportunities, April 18

EVENTS

FGCU – Beta Gamma Sigma Induction Ceremony Two volunteers needed to help the Lutgert College of Business with the Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) Induction Ceremony on Friday, April 20 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. If interested, please call Jennifer Hernandez 239-590-7308 for more information.  Dress casually for set-up and clean-up.  Bring a change of clothes (Business) to change into for the event.

Conservation Collier Work Day – Come to Pepper Ranch Preserve this Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help create mountain bike trails for public use with the Mudcutters (a mountain biking group).   The address is 6315 Pepper Road Immokalee, FL 33142.  Volunteers would need to wear gloves, closed toed shoes and preferably long pants and shirts.  We would provide water, Gatorade and snacks.  Contact Christal Segura if you are interested in attending or if you have questions:  (239) 252-2495 (office) or (239) 289-3310 (cell).

FGCU Commencement   volunteers needed to play an important service and public relations role at both commencement ceremonies (10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.) on April 29 at Alico Arena.  Duties may include assisting ushers, managing the door, answering guest questions, and lining up candidates.  Hours also can be earned for the volunteer orientation held the week prior.  Contact Lauren Cargo at lcargo@fgcu.edu.

Harry Chapin Food Bank:  Letter Carriers Annual Food Drive is recruiting individuals or teams to presort and prepare the food left at mailboxes by the generous residents of Southwest Florida on May 12 for transit to Food Bank warehouses.  Volunteers can sign up to work at a specific post office location for an 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. shift or a 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. shift.  Contact Bedzaida at bedzaidabryen@harrychapinfoodbank.org to get the volunteer form and guidelines.  For this event, it is very important that you are able to stand, lift, bend, and be outdoors for the entire shift.  Call Bedzaida at 239-334-7007 X141 with questions. 

COLLOQUIUM

Estero Bay Preserve State Park Enjoy the outdoors? Ever feel like we have a huge impact on the environment? Are you ready to make a difference and need service hours!? Well then come volunteer at the Estero Bay Preserve State Park!! Close to FGCU, off of Corkscrew Road and 41. For more information, contact Scott Stimpson at scott.stimpson@dep.state.fl.us.

Lakes Regional Park Help with a program for children’s tours of the gardens from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on a weekday or Saturday at 9 a.m. Concepts that may be included are: importance of plants to the earth, plants and insect interdependence, kinds of propagation, composting and nutrients, ability of plants to filter water. Contact Susan Moore at botanicgarden.moore9@gmail.com or 239-481-7845.

FGCU Food Forest is a student run botanical garden which highlights tropical/subtropical edible species that grow well in South Florida and is right here on campus. They need students to help on most Fridays between 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact them before you go at foodforesters@eagle.fgcu.edu.

ECHO (Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization) Help out with agricultural development. Fill out a volunteer application at www.echonet.org. For questions, contact Ruth at rmay@echonet.org.

Koreshan State Park Historic Site Students welcome every Wednesday at 8 a.m. Simply show up on time at 3800 Corkscrew Road, the gate opens automatically at 8 a.m. Long pants, closed toed shoes are required, they suggest water and gloves.

Heartland Gardens: Did you know that FGCU alums started this nonprofit? They have a 1,700 square foot raised labyrinth and they’re landscaping the entire acre with edible plants. Help with your financial expertise, business background, economic background, bookkeeping and data entry skills, public relations or communications background, or assist with newsletters, e-blasts, or grant writing. Contact Andrea at andrea@heartlandgardens.org or call 239-689-4249.

Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium Numerous opportunities! Contact info@calusanature.org or call 275-3435.

Naples Botanical Garden Horticulture gardening starts at 8 a.m. Monday thru Friday and includes weeding, potting, moving plants, digging, raking, sweeping, clearing debris, etc. Wear closed toe shoes. No shorts or tank tops. Bring water. Wear sunscreen. Bring work gloves if you have them. Looking especially for groups of students on Fridays. No last minute requests. Give a 4 to 5 day lead time. If you commit, then can’t make it, give notice. Be on time. Email Sally Richardson at srichardson@naplesgarden.org.

Rookery Bay Help give out literature, talk to visitors about the Learning Center, or assist with children’s craft. Contact Susan Maunz at susan.maunz@dep.state.fl.us or call 239-417-6310 x412.