Service Learning opportunities, April 4

FGCU-KARNIGRAS: Help out with the first annual Karnigras at Gulf Coast Town Center on April 7. The cause is funding future study-abroad programs for all students. Pass out fliers on campus, make posters, face-paint, teach or judge the salsa dancing. Contact Carol Fulton at cfulton@fgcu.edu or Joyce Laorden at jlaorden@fgcu.edu.

Naples Philharmonic Run for Music: Volunteers needed for race set-up, water stations, and traffic control this Saturday, April 7 at 6 a.m.  Race runs through Pelican Bay and ends at the Phil.  Contact Matt at sonneborn@gmail.com.

Promising Pathways Conference: Need volunteers to help provide respite for families that want to attend the Promising Pathways Conference at FGCU on April 14 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.  Temple Grandin, well known self-advocate for people with Autism, will be presenting. See information on the FGCU website at http://www.fgcu.edu/events/promisingpathways/. Contact Lynn James at 239-699-0985 or Jamie Melendez or Shay Thomas at 239-267-2181.  Volunteers also needed at the conference.  Students may sign up to assist for part or all of the day at Alico Arena.  Volunteers may attend the presentations as well.  Contact Dr. Gischel at cgischel@fgcu.edu.

Keep Collier Beautiful: Join the big cleanup event on April 14 from 8–11 a.m. For more information visit www.keepcollierbeautiful.com. Contact litternot@earthlink.net or 239-580-8319.

FGCU-Graduation: 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.

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 3:30–5 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: This student-run botanical garden 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. and 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.