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Park Volunteering

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 contributions of our volunteer staff through commitments of time, energy, knowledge and boundless enthusiasm enhance and enrich the park experience for our hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Volunteers are a vital and integral part of the Homosassa team.

Important components of the volunteer program include:

  • • Application and interview process
    • 6-hour orientation workshop
    • On-the-job Training
    • Uniform Requirements
    • Service Awards and Recognition

Are you interested in volunteer opportunities at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park?
We invite you to look over our volunteer program by attending one of our "Introduction to Volunteering" presentations given at various times during the year. Watch for details in local papers or contact Marla Chancey at (352) 628-5343 or by e-mail at Marla.Chancey@dep.state.fl.us.